In a somewhat unusual traffic incident, a vehicle managed to career directly into the facade of the Panera Bread restaurant located off Louisville Road in Alcoa. According to a post by the Alcoa Police Department on their Facebook page, the event took place at approximately 11:18 a.m. yesterday. Authorities, arriving on the scene, discovered a Black Subaru Outback had entered through the front doors of the establishment.
The vehicle, containing two occupants at the time of the crash, surprisingly resulted in no injuries either to those inside the car or patrons of the Panera Bread. Featuring damage to the structure, the establishment responded by shutting down the electricity to begin repairs with staff at the building. Having sustained the impact, the Alcoa Panera Bread restaurant was closed for the remainder of the day. Interested parties have been directed to the restaurant's website for ongoing updates and further information regarding the resumption of services.
Inquiries surrounding the circumstances of the crash or any potential legal consequences for those involved are being handled by the local law enforcement. Anyone with questions or who may have witnessed the event has been encouraged to reach out to the Alcoa Police Department at (865) 981-4111.
As for the building, the damage inflicted by the unexpected vehicular guest means that patrons looking to enjoy Panera's offerings will have to temporarily seek alternatives. The staff, having turned off the electricity to facilitate repairs at the site, has ensured that restoration efforts are already underway, according to the Alcoa Police Department's social media update. The restaurant, acknowledging the disruption caused by the incident, has thanked customers for their patience and will be providing updates as they work to reopen the storefront.
