Nebraska Man Dies in Tragic McDonald’s Drive-Thru Accident After Being Pinned Between His Vehicle and Building, Police Say
Grand Island, Nebraska — A 69-year-old Nebraska man died after a tragic and unusual accident in the drive-thru of a McDonald’s restaurant on West 2nd Street, according to authorities. Police described the event as a “freak accident” that occurred late Tuesday morning around 10:23 a.m., leaving the victim pinned between his vehicle and the restaurant building.
Victim Identified as Michael Dickinson, Found Pinned Between Car and Drive-Thru Wall
The victim, identified as Michael Dickinson, was the sole occupant of his vehicle when the accident occurred. Investigators say Dickinson may have opened his car door to reach the drive-thru window — a common action when drivers have difficulty aligning with the payment counter.
During that moment, police believe the vehicle unexpectedly rolled forward, trapping Dickinson between the open door frame and the drive-thru structure. Emergency crews responded quickly, but Dickinson suffered severe injuries. He was transported to CHI Health St. Francis, where he later died despite medical efforts.
McDonald’s Employee Injured While Attempting to Help
Authorities reported that a McDonald’s employee who rushed to assist Dickinson was also injured during the incident. The employee, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized with injuries that have not been described as life-threatening. Police emphasized that Dickinson was the only fatality, and no other customers or employees were directly involved in the accident.
Investigators Call the Incident a Rare and Unusual Drive-Thru Fatality
Officials noted that accidents of this nature are extremely rare, though vehicles unexpectedly moving during drive-thru interactions are not unheard of. In this case, investigators believe the car may have been left in gear or slipped forward as Dickinson reached out to pay.
The combination of vehicle movement, close quarters, and the position of the driver’s door created a tragic chain of events that resulted in fatal injuries. Authorities stated that the accident remains under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.
Community Shocked as Investigation Continues
Residents of Grand Island expressed shock at the unusual circumstances of the tragedy, especially occurring at a familiar, everyday setting like a McDonald’s drive-thru. Many extended condolences to Dickinson’s family and prayers for the recovery of the injured employee.
Police continue to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses as they work to determine the exact sequence of events that caused the fatal movement of the vehicle. Officials urge the public to use extra caution in drive-thru lanes, especially when opening vehicle doors or reaching toward kiosks or counters.
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