EVANSTON, IL - On May 16, 2019, at 6:52 a.m. a minivan driven by a 47 year old female Chicago resident crashed into the McDonald's in the 1100 block of Howard Street in Evanston. The minivan came to rest in the dining area of the McDonald's. The driver suffered a minor leg injury. A 58 year old Chicago resident who was a customer inside the McDonald's suffered minor lacerations. Both were transported to St. Francis Hospital for treatment.

The minivan was leaking gas as a result of the crash. The Evanston Fire Department responded for the gas that had leaked into the restaurant. The restaurant is closed at this time pending structural assessment, repairs and clean-up.  

The investigation revealed that the driver was attempting to turn from Oakley Avenue onto west bound Howard Street when she lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, went through the parking lot and crashed into the McDonald's. Intoxication was not a factor. 

The driver received two citations. One Illinois Vehicle Code citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and a city ordinance citation for damage to a city tree.

Traffic was closed on Howard Street for approximately two hours. The gas that  leaked from the vehicle is no longer a hazard. This McDonald's was previously struck by a vehicle on May 3, 2019.