News Summary
An SUV collided with Inka Grill in Lake Forest, injuring nine people on July 6. Six individuals were treated on-site, while three were hospitalized. Despite the damage, owner Anna Scandalos plans to reopen for takeout. The incident has raised safety concerns in the community, and support for the restaurant is growing as it works towards recovery.
Lake Forest
On Sunday afternoon, July 6, an SUV crashed into the Inka Grill restaurant in Lake Forest, injuring nine people. The incident happened around 12:15 p.m. at 23600 Rockfield Blvd.
Responding to the scene, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported that six individuals were treated and released at the site of the crash, while three people were transported to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
At the time of the accident, Anna Scandalos, the owner of Inka Grill, was attending church in Long Beach. Following the crash, her staff reached out to her in a state of distress as the vehicle crashed through the restaurant’s front window, causing glass to shatter throughout the dining area. Fortunately, none of the restaurant’s employees sustained injuries, and the kitchen area remained mostly intact.
Extent of Damage
The dining room, however, suffered significant damage and may be closed for several months as repairs take place. Scandalos is looking to begin cleaning the restaurant, assess the damage, and initiate conversations with the insurance company by Monday.
Plans for Reopening
In the meantime, Scandalos has plans to reopen the kitchen for takeout and catering orders. She aims to establish a safe pathway for customers to be served on the restaurant’s patio, allowing some operations to resume despite the extensive damage.
Scandalos remains optimistic about keeping her business running, noting that the restaurant is like a “home away from home” for her employees, many of whom are feeling disheartened by the unexpected event.
Investigation into the Crash
Authorities are still conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash but preliminary assessments suggest that it may have been an accident. Witnesses and experts are expected to provide insight as the inquiry continues.
The incident not only affected the restaurant staff but also raised concerns in the community regarding safety and the potential for similar accidents at local establishments. Lake Forest residents and patrons of Inka Grill are awaiting further information while showing support for the restaurant during this challenging time.
Community Support and Future Steps
Despite the unfortunate incident, the local community aims to rally behind the Inka Grill. Support for the restaurant, which has been a staple in the Lake Forest area, demonstrates the community’s commitment to helping local businesses recover from unforeseen circumstances. As Scandalos prepares to reopen, she emphasizes the importance of unity and resilience in overcoming this setback.
As updates continue to emerge regarding both the restaurant’s recovery and the investigation into the crash, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and future of Inka Grill, along with the well-being of its employees and patrons.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: 9 Injured After SUV Crashes into Lake Forest Restaurant
- OC Register: Woman 24 Arrested in Deadly Irvine Hit-and-Run
- OC Register: Laguna Beach Tragedy Highlights Teen Driving Lesson Crashes
- Google Search: Lake Forest Car Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
