A busy lunchtime crowd in Adelaide's inner-east has had a miraculous escape after a shocking car accident sent a vehicle crashing through the front of a popular Chinese restaurant.
Mid-Mayhem on The Parade
The dramatic incident unfolded just after midday on Friday at the intersection of The Parade and Queen Street in Norwood. According to reports, a teenage driver allegedly failed to give way, causing a 61-year-old female driver to lose control of her vehicle.
The car, with the older driver and her two dogs inside, mounted the kerb and ploughed directly through the front window of Hsin Fortuna restaurant. Panicked kitchen staff rushed out from the back of the premises, which was thankfully empty of diners at that moment.
Community Rallies After Shock Smash
Bystanders and staff immediately rushed to check on the welfare of the driver, who was remarkably unharmed. In a heartwarming moment, one restaurant employee was seen carefully picking up one of the driver's frightened dogs to comfort it.
"Everyone was really shocked," a staff member told 7NEWS. Both vehicles were later towed from the busy road, and the teen driver was issued an expiation notice for failing to give way.
The area is typically bustling during lunch, and many witnessed the terrifying smash, yet no one was injured.
Financial Blow for Long-Standing Business
The crash has caused extensive damage to the restaurant's facade. Owners confirm that Hsin Fortuna will only be able to offer takeaway meals for some time while repairs are undertaken.
This closure during the busy holiday period represents a significant financial hit, potentially costing the business thousands of dollars even with a swift insurance claim. Hsin Fortuna has been a fixture on The Parade in various forms since the 1970s.
The restaurant's name holds a poignant meaning. 'Hsin' translates from ancient Chinese as 'appreciation', a sentiment echoed by relieved staff in the aftermath. "Those types of things (damage to the restaurant) can be fixed easily, but lives, no," one staff member reflected, expressing gratitude that the outcome was not more serious.
