A 56-year-old woman from Ohio caused a dramatic crash at a petrol station after she reportedly lost control of her car while choking on a French fry. The incident occurred in Wilmington, approximately 50 miles northeast of Cincinnati.
Chaotic Scene at Sunoco Station
The collision happened at around 12:06 pm on Sunday at the Sunoco station located on 863 South Street. According to a police report obtained by WXIX, the driver's vehicle veered off the road and into the station's forecourt. The car first struck a pole supporting the station's canopy before colliding with another parked vehicle.
The impact caused the awning to partially collapse, with one side sinking onto a white Buick. Photographs from the scene showed the extensive damage to the structure and the vehicles involved.
Unusual Cause and Driver's Account
The driver, who has not been publicly named, told law enforcement that a French fry became lodged in her throat, causing her to lose her breath and subsequently control of the car. She further claimed to have a recurring dry spot in her throat that makes her prone to choking.
The woman stated she had no memory of the actual collision. Wilmington police cited her for failure to control her vehicle, but no further charges have been announced. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the wreck.
Aftermath and Local Reaction
Following the crash, the city's fire department called in a building inspector to assess the safety of the gas station structure. As a result, the business was closed until further notice, as reported by the Wilmington News Journal.
Local residents expressed their shock on social media. One TikTok user wrote, 'Was wondering why I heard sirens,' while another commented on seeing the scene in person. Many lamented the loss of a convenient local spot, with one person noting, 'I regularly use that store... the workers are super nice and friendly.'
Well-wishes for the driver's health were also shared online, with a Facebook user posting, 'Prayers she and others are alright.'
This unusual incident highlights two significant public safety concerns. Choking remains a leading cause of unintentional death in the United States, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that car crashes claim over 120 lives daily across the nation. The Wilmington Police Department has been contacted for additional comment.
