8 hurt, 2 with life-threatening injuries, in collision outside Grand Century Mall in San Jose, police say

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — At least eight people were injured when a man drove into an outdoor dining area set up by Dynasty Chinese Seafood restaurant in San Jose, police said.

Two of the victims have life threatening injuries, police told ABC7.

The incident was first reported around 12:27 p.m. outside of Grand Century Plaza on Story Road and McLaughlin Avenue.
Police said in a tweet a man lost control of his vehicle and collided with an area being used for outdoor food service.

San Francisco resident, Kim Tang ran out of the way as the driver of a Toyota 4 Runner struck multiple people next to her under this outdoor eating tent.

“I looked out and I saw a van driving toward us,” said Tang.

Tang says the driver lost control of the vehicle and accelerated as he was going over the speed bump located next to the outdoor dining tent. Tang described the driver making an unexpected right turn and driving over the divider and into a crowded group of people eating.

“He lost control. I don’t know. His face looked like he was sick. Not normal,” said Tang.

According to San Jose Police the driver struck eight victims, whose injuries range from major to minor.

It was an agonizing scene, where witnesses say at least three people were being pulled out from under the vehicle.

Across from the restaurant Huang Guo felt helpless as he called 911.
“He said that when the accident happened a lot of people went away but some people tried to help. And one person was still underneath the car,” said Guo’s translator.

San Jose Police confirmed all eight victims were transported to nearby hospitals and two of the victims have life-threatening injuries.

San Jose Police reported the driver is a 69-year-old man and tweeted, “Indications are the elderly male may have been in medical distress prior to the collision. The incident was reported at 12:27pm. No other information is available at this time.”

Witnesses said the driver was crying as he sat in shock inside the vehicle. He was also transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Police say the driver was trying to park his car when he accidently accelerated forward into an outdoor dining area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detective Templeman #3556 with the San Jose Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Unit at 408-277-4654. No other information is available at this time.