LAVALLETTE, Ocean County, N.J., Sept. 21, 2026 — A 56-year-old woman died and seven other people were hurt Saturday morning, September 19, after a car crashed into the outdoor dining area and building of Meg's Grill in Lavallette.
The collision happened around 11:12 a.m. at the restaurant on Grand Central Ave, according to the Lavallette Police Department. Authorities said the driver of a 2014 Buick Encore was trying to park in front of the restaurant when the vehicle reportedly accelerated instead of braking. The car then went through the outdoor dining area and into the building.
Seven restaurant patrons were taken to the hospital with injuries described as varying in severity.
A 56-year-old woman from Toms River died from injuries suffered in the crash. The driver, a 93-year-old Lavallette woman, was treated for minor injuries, according to authorities.
The collision remains under investigation by Lavallette police. We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.
Vehicle-Into-Building Crashes: What the Numbers Show
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic fatalities decreased 4.3 percent from 2022 to 2023. That national trend offers some context for crashes like the one in Lavallette, even though vehicle-into-building incidents are tracked separately from most standard collision data and don't always show up cleanly in broader federal counts.
Crashes where a car leaves a parking space or roadway and strikes a storefront, patio, or dining area are often linked to pedal error, when a driver presses the accelerator instead of the brake. These events can happen at low speeds but still cause serious harm because the vehicle strikes people standing or seated in a space that was not built to stop a car.
Older drivers are involved in a share of these incidents, though pedal misapplication happens across age groups. Businesses with outdoor seating near parking areas face particular exposure, since there is often little separating diners from vehicle lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seat belt use matter in crashes like this?
Seat belts keep occupants positioned and reduce the chance of being thrown during sudden impacts, including when a vehicle strikes a fixed structure. For pedestrians or diners outside a building, though, seat belt use by the driver does not offer protection, which is part of why these crashes can injure so many people at once.
What should a family do after a fatal crash like this?
Families can request a copy of the official police report once it's completed and can contact the investigating department directly with questions. It's also common to reach out to the county prosecutor's office if criminal charges are being considered.
How are crashes like this investigated?
Local police typically examine the vehicle, interview witnesses, and review any available surveillance footage. Investigators may also consult the vehicle's data recorder to determine speed and braking or acceleration inputs before impact.
How long do these investigations take?
Timelines vary. Straightforward cases can close within weeks, but investigations involving a fatality often take longer, especially if authorities are deciding whether to file charges.
What to Do After a Vehicle-Into-Building Crash in Lavallette, NJ
If you're involved in or witness a crash like this, first check for injuries and call 911 immediately. Move to a safe distance if the structure appears unstable or if there's a risk of fire.
Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional. Injuries from being thrown or struck by debris aren't always immediately obvious. Cooperate with responding officers and provide a clear, honest account of what you saw or experienced.
Businesses affected by this kind of crash should document the damage and preserve any surveillance footage for investigators. Diners or bystanders who were present may be contacted as witnesses in the days following the incident.
