A 69-year-old man has died in what police are describing as a freak accident at a McDonald's drive-through in the United States.
Tragic Details of the Drive-Through Incident
Michael Dickinson, aged 69, was fatally injured on Tuesday morning at approximately 10.30am. The incident occurred at a McDonald's restaurant in Grand Island, Nebraska. According to authorities, Dickinson became pinned between his vehicle and the side of the building while attempting to reach the payment window.
Grand Island Police Division Chief Dean Elliott stated the preliminary investigation suggests the victim opened his car door to extend his reach towards the payment window. "We're not sure if the vehicle lurched forward or what happened, but he got pinched between the door frame and the drive-through window counter," Elliott explained.
Employee Injured During Rescue Attempt
In a brave attempt to save Dickinson's life, a McDonald's employee rushed outside to help. The worker tried to free the trapped man by climbing into the car through the passenger-side door. During this rescue effort, the employee sustained injuries.
Both men were rushed to St Francis Hospital for emergency treatment. Sadly, Michael Dickinson did not survive his injuries. The McDonald's employee was also hospitalised but is expected to make a full recovery.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Grand Island Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Team has been called in to assist with the ongoing investigation into the precise cause of this tragic event. Despite the severity of the incident, the scene was cleared within two hours, and the drive-through service resumed operations on the same day.
Chief Elliott reiterated the unusual nature of the event, classifying it as a "freak accident." The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact sequence of events that led to this fatal drive-through accident.
