LANDOVER, Md. (WUSA) - The driver of a BMW traveling at high speed down Martin Luther King Jr. Highway lost control of the car and crashed into a Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant at about 6:30 p.m. Monday, Prince George's County police said. Police have identified the driver as 29-year-old Hellena Louise Smith.
Officials say a speeding BMW hit a curb at the intersection of Sheriff Road and Martin Luther King Highway Monday night, sending the vehicle flying into the air, flipping repeatedly until it smashed into trees, a car vacuum at an adjacent gas station, and a fence separating the gas station from the restaurant. The vehicle then crashed into a red SUV parked at the KFC. The driver of that car was also hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
Julie Parker, spokeswoman for the Prince George's County Police Department, says investigators believe the person killed in the crash was the driver of the BMW. At least two others were injured and taken to local hospitals.
The impact of the crash shattered the large glass windows of the KFC, sending broken shards throughout the restaurant. Those inside the restaurant scrambled to get out of the way as debris rained all over the area.
The Police Collapse Team is on location to secure the structure so an investigation can begin. Authorities say it may take weeks to sort out the details, including why the BMW was traveling so fast.
Video: Car Goes Airborne, Crashes into Maryland Restaurant
Vehicle flipped repeatedly, striking numerous objects.
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