A devastating crash in Mt. Pleasant, Texas on April 10, 2025, left ten people injured — including six students from Chapel Hill ISD — after a vehicle drove into a CiCi’s Pizza restaurant during a school field trip. The crash occurred around 11:20 a.m. on Jefferson Avenue when a Toyota 4-Runner, driven by a 79-year-old man, drove through the front of the CiCi’s Pizza restaurant. According to local authorities, the SUV may have first backed into another vehicle in the parking lot before accelerating forward and crashing through the restaurant’s entrance.
At the time of the crash, approximately 30 to 50 sixth-grade students from Mt. Pleasant Chapel Hill ISD were inside or near the restaurant enjoying their field trip lunch. Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and EMS, arrived quickly at the scene to provide medical assistance. According to police, ten people were transported to area hospitals following the crash, including six students and four adults. Other students and patrons with less severe injuries were treated at the scene.
Investigation Ongoing
Local authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash. Early reports suggest that the driver may have accidentally accelerated after an initial collision in the parking lot, causing the vehicle to strike the building.
Investigators will review factors such as:
- Driver error or medical condition
- Vehicle malfunction
- Roadway and parking lot conditions
As of now, no charges have been announced, but the incident remains under review.
Risks Associated With Storefront Vehicle Collisions
Accidents involving vehicles crashing into businesses or restaurants — known as storefront collisions — are more common than many people realize. These accidents can occur due to:
- Pedal misapplication (pressing the accelerator instead of the brake)
- Elderly or inexperienced drivers
- Medical emergencies behind the wheel
- Poor parking lot design with inadequate barriers
Restaurants, especially those located near busy roadways or with parking spaces directly in front of entrances, are particularly vulnerable to this type of incident.
Responsibility of Property Owners to Provide Safety Measures
While the driver may bear responsibility for causing the crash, business owners and property managers also have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises. This includes implementing protective features like:
- Bollards (protective posts) near entrances
- Curb stops to prevent vehicles from rolling forward
- Clear pedestrian walkways
- Parking lot design that minimizes risk near entrances
Failure to take reasonable safety precautions may expose a property owner to liability if injuries occur due to foreseeable dangers like storefront crashes.
Legal Rights of Injury Victims
Victims injured in incidents like the Mt. Pleasant CiCi’s Pizza crash may have legal claims for compensation against multiple parties, including:
- The driver of the vehicle
- The business or property owner (if safety measures were inadequate)
- Third-party contractors responsible for parking lot design or maintenance
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability or rehabilitation costs
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm After a Serious Accident
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent injury victims across Texas who have been harmed due to vehicle collisions, premises liability, and negligent property management. If you or a loved one has been injured in a storefront crash or other serious accident, our personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue full compensation.
Call us today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless we win your case.
We are dedicated to helping injury victims recover and holding responsible parties accountable for preventable tragedies.