Chaos erupted in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood when a red van plowed into the outdoor seating area of a local watering hole, before the driver hightailed it out of the scene. The incident took place early Thursday morning at Some Random Bar, situated near the bustling corner of First Avenue and Vine Street.
According to KOMO News, the crash happened shortly after 5 a.m., where upon Seattle police, and fire crews quickly arrived to assess the damage. Mercifully, the bar itself dodged the brunt of the impact, with only the wooden awning taking a hit. A witness reported seeing the van run a red light before the collision, sparking suspicions of a possible DUI situation, a detail shared by an officer in conversation with KOMO News.
Detailing the aftermath, FOX 13 covered the scene, noting that Some Random Bar's outdoor structure was demolished by the crash. Fire Department crews responded around 5:30 a.m. to the chaos of splintered wood and debris that had, only moments before, been a place for patrons to enjoy a drink in the open air.
The owner of Some Random Bar, grappling with the unanticipated shock, told KOMO News he's been at the helm for 11 years. In the face of this turmoil, he voiced uncertainty about the bar's immediate future, stating, "I'm unsure if we'll be open Thursday." While investigation efforts are underway, the fleeing driver remains at large, and the bar's extended family of staff and regulars wait in the limbo of the unknown, hoping for a swift return to normalcy and safety.
