Update: Box Truck Crash Into KFC Caused By Brake Failure

PINELLAS PARK, FL -- Pinellas Park Police say the accident involving a box truck crashing into a KFC restaurant Thursday was the result of brake failure.

The crash occurred around 1:17 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at Park Boulevard and 66th Street North.

According to police, Edward Reyes-Garcia, 26, of Orlando, was heading south on 66th Street when the brakes of the box truck failed. Seeing traffic stopped in front of him, Reyes-Garcia attempted to maneuver the truck over the median into the northbound lanes of 66th Street where there was less traffic. The truck jumped the median, crossing three lanes of traffic and struck a GMC pickup truck driven by Gary Briggs Jr., 45, of St. Petersburg, who was heading north on 66th Street.

The box truck then continued into the parking lot of the KFC where it crashed into the west wall of the building. Inside the KFC were Ann Lazarski, 65, of St. Petersburg, and Edmund Lazarski, 76, of St. Petersburg, who were eating lunch at a table along the wall where the truck struck the building. Witnesses say the impact pinned Edmund Lazarski between a table and a wall. Both were taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Briggs was also treated at the hospital for minor injuries.

Reyes-Garcia, and his passenger, Emanuel Castro, 21, of Orlando, were not injured.

Investigators conducted an inspection of the box truck's brake system and located a malfunction of a small pin at the back of the brake pedal which caused the truck's brakes to fail. The cause of the crash was determined to be a mechanical failure and Reyes-Garcia was not charged with any traffic violation.

Pinellas Park building inspectors responded to the scene and determined that the damage to KFC did not compromise the structural integrity of the building. The KFC damaged area was secured and the business will continue to operate until it is necessary to close for repairs.

Image via Pinellas Park Police