On Wednesday, a pickup truck crashed into the dining area of the Chili's restaurant on the 600 block of Birk Road in Martinsville, sending customers scrambling and leaving multiple people hurt, according to local authorities. First responders from Martinsville Police, the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, Martinsville Fire Department and Morgan County EMS rushed to the scene and checked on both patrons and staff. Some people were treated and released at the scene, while others chose to head on their own to IU Health Morgan Hospital for further evaluation.
Investigation and response
The Morgan County Serious Crash Investigation Team was called in and took command of the scene, and the investigation is still active, according to a press release from the Martinsville Police Department. Dispatchers fielded multiple 911 calls about the collision, and part of the shopping-center area was temporarily shut down so investigators could document the scene and gather evidence.
Officers and medics evaluated several people for injuries. The release reports that eight individuals had complaints ranging from pain to serious non-life-threatening injuries, and notes that three people self-transported to the hospital. The vehicle that ended up inside the restaurant was identified as a black 2018 GMC Sierra. Police say the driver was medically cleared and released from care, according to the same Martinsville Police Department statement.
Injuries and where they were treated
Those who needed additional medical evaluation went to IU Health Morgan, located at 2209 John R Wooden Drive in Martinsville, according to IU Health. The hospital's online listing outlines its services and location, but the health system has not released any information about the conditions of the patients involved in the crash.
What authorities are asking
Investigators are now trying to piece together exactly how a normal meal at a chain restaurant turned into a crash scene. Martinsville police are asking anyone who saw the collision or who captured it on photos or video to call non-emergency dispatch at 765-342-5544 and ask for Officer Weaver or Detective Hobbs, according to the Martinsville Police Department. Media or records requests should be sent to [email protected], the release notes.
The department also emphasized that the Morgan County Prosecutor's Office has the final say on any potential charges and that more information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with details that could help the investigation is urged to contact the non-emergency line listed above.
