74-Year-Old Drunk Driver Plows Pickup Into Arizona Elks Lodge: 30 Injured, Some Critically
A suspected drunken driver crashed into an Elks Lodge in Apache Junction, leaving over 30 people injured, some critically. 🌐 #News #ApacheJunctionAZ #Arizona #Crime
APACHE JUNCTION, AZ – The noise was deafening. A roaring engine, followed by the horrifying sound of shattering glass and screams, pierced the calm evening at the Elks Lodge in Apache Junction, Arizona. In an instant, a 73-year-old man behind the wheel of a pickup truck had slammed into the building, leaving a scene of chaos, confusion, and pain.
Shocked patrons, who had been enjoying a quiet night, scrambled to help the injured, some lying motionless on the ground, while others stumbled outside, dazed and bleeding. Emergency vehicles arrived swiftly, but the shock of the crash lingered in the air.
Alcohol Suspected in Crash
Police quickly identified the driver as Thomas Edward Kain, a local resident who had attended the event at the Elks Lodge #2349. According to officials, Kain was under the influence of alcohol when he got behind the wheel and accidentally drove his truck straight into the building.
“Alcohol was a contributing factor,” the Apache Junction Police Department confirmed in a statement. Kain was taken into custody shortly after the crash, but not before the damage was done.
Among the 30 people injured, 10 were rushed to hospitals by ambulance, one of whom remains in critical but stable condition. An additional 15 people were treated at the scene for minor injuries, while five others sought treatment on their own.
Investigation Underway
The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control has also launched a separate investigation to uncover the exact events leading up to the crash. While the investigation continues, police emphasized the importance of avoiding alcohol when driving.
“We are grateful that there were no fatalities, and this story could have ended very differently,” authorities stated. “We want everyone to remember that drunk driving can have serious consequences, not just for the driver but for everyone around them.”
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this incident, and we wish all a speedy recovery,” added police officials, underscoring the tragic nature of the event.
As the Apache Junction community recovers from the shock, the wreckage serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of impaired driving.
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