Malden, MA (May 20, 2026) – Two people were hurt on Tuesday after a multi-vehicle collision sent an SUV into a coffee shop along Charles Street in Malden. The roadway encounter happened around noon while westbound traffic was stopped at a red light.
Police said one vehicle struck another from behind, then shifted into reverse and backed into the New England Coffee Shop. Video from the roadway showed a heavily damaged black sedan in the street and a gray SUV resting near the business.
Emergency units used hydraulic rescue tools to free one person trapped inside a vehicle. That person and another involved in the collision were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Surveillance footage captured the moment the SUV entered the coffee shop property. A witness said nearly a dozen people were inside the business at the time, though no customers or workers were hurt.
Investigators are continuing to review the sequence of events leading to the roadway encounter. We hope those injured recover quickly and fully.
Why Rear-End Collisions Can Lead to Secondary Vehicle Movement
Rear-end roadway encounters can sometimes trigger a chain reaction, especially in areas with stopped traffic. A driver may lose control after the initial contact, causing the vehicle to roll forward, reverse unexpectedly, or strike nearby objects. Confusion, panic, or mechanical damage after the first hit can also affect how a driver reacts in the seconds that follow.
Businesses located close to busy streets may face an added risk if their parking lots or sidewalks are directly beside traffic lanes. Even low-speed movement can push a vehicle into storefronts, fences, or parked cars. Safety barriers and curbs may reduce damage in some cases, though they do not always stop a moving vehicle.
People trapped inside vehicles after these roadway encounters often require specialized rescue equipment before they can safely receive medical care.
