West Columbia, SC (March 30, 2026) – New details have been released after a 16-year-old girl crashed an SUV into the Black Rooster restaurant on Meeting Street late Saturday night, March 28, in West Columbia. The wreck happened when a 2025 Kia Sportage went off the road, struck a tree, and slammed into the side of the building, leaving two restaurant employees hurt and forcing the business to close indefinitely for repairs.
According to updated reports, the incident began around 11 p.m. when an officer spotted the SUV speeding on Sunset Boulevard and attempted a traffic stop. The driver continued at a high speed, and the officer later ended the chase near Sunset Boulevard and 12th Street because of the teen’s erratic driving and speed.
A separate crash report later stated that the SUV was no longer being pursued when it ran off the roadway and hit the restaurant. The teen driver, who told officers she had been rushing toward Columbia, was treated for injuries at the scene before being charged with reckless driving and failure to stop for blue lights. She was later released to her guardian.
The incident remains under review by authorities. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
What Is Usually Reviewed After a Crash Into a Building?
When a vehicle crashes into a business or other structure, several types of damage are usually reviewed in the hours and days that follow. Crews often check the building’s walls, support areas, windows, and nearby utilities to determine whether the property is safe to enter.
Medical updates may also help clarify how workers, customers, or drivers were affected. In some cases, injuries that seem minor at first can become clearer after hospital evaluation and follow-up care.
Roadside evidence can also provide useful context. Tire marks, impact points, debris patterns, and damage to nearby trees or signs may help show how fast a vehicle was traveling and how control was lost. Business closures after these crashes often depend on repair needs and whether the structure can safely reopen.
