Puyallup cook critically burned by hot oil after car crashes into Don’s Drive-In
A cook at a Puyallup burger joint was critically burned by hot oil Tuesday when a car driven by an impaired driver crashed into the restaurant’s building and knocked over its fryer, Puyallup Police said Wednesday.
The employee of Don’s Drive-In, a 48-year-old Federal Way man, sustained life-threatening injuries after he was splashed by the grease, police said. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Two other employees suffered minor burns and were treated at the scene.
Other employees and customers were inside the business and assisted the injured employees, police said.
The car’s driver, a 64-year-old Bonney Lake man, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular assault, police said.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the business located at 925 South Meridian. Puyallup Police and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue units responded to the scene.
Police believe the driver was under the influence of drugs, Puyallup Police spokesperson Capt. Ryan Portmann said Wednesday.
City inspectors determined that the building, at least temporarily, is too damaged to remain in operation.
The Metro Cities Major Collision Response Team is investigating the incident.
