The Galleria Restaurant at 2 Spring Lane in Farmington has reopened after a car smashed into the side of the building Saturday evening.
The restaurant reopened Monday after receiving the "all clear" from health and building inspectors, according to restaurant owner Sam Gjonbala.
Police said an 86-year-old driver hit the gas instead of the brakes in his pick-up truck and accelerated into the restaurant, which is located at the intersection of Spring Lane and Route 6.
It happened around 5:15 p.m. Saturday. The driver hsa not been identified, but police say he is a Farmington resident.
Gjonbala said a family of 12 was seated in front of the window right where the car struck.
According to police, some family members received bruises and scrapes, but they declined medical treatment. The driver was taken to the hospital for an evaluation.
Gjonbala said it was a close call.
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"It's amazing," said Gjonbala. "They just got a couple scratches. Everybody's shaken from it."
He added that the crash sounded like a "loud explosion."
The building is heavily damaged and the restaurant was forced to close shortly after the collision.
Gjonbala hopes to reopen Monday, but he said building inspectors will have the final say.
Police said Sunday that the restaurant has been deemed structurally unsafe and will remain closed indefinitely.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact Farmington police at 860-675-2400.
