Car Crashes Through Front Window of Ghiringhelli Pizzeria – Three Injured

A car crashed into Ghiringhelli Pizzeria Grill & Bar Thursday afternoon as the restaurant's staff prepared for a party for a group of children, a Novato Fire official said.

The crash was reported at about 4 p.m. at  at 1535 S. Novato Blvd., according to Battalion Chief Jeff Davis.

The restaurant was half-hour away from hosting a private party for a group of about 60 people when a Lincoln sedan crashed through its front window, Davis said. When the crash occurred, the restaurant staff was setting up for "Christmas in July," a benefit dinner concert by students at Marin Christian Academy in Novato, according to the Marin Independent Journal.

The car's three occupants, including the 67-year-old woman who was driving the car, sustained minor injuries. Two passengers were treated at the scene and the driver was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. 

The Novato Police Department is investigating the crash, according to the Marin IJ. Sgt. Dan Jenner told the IJ that intoxication did not appear to be a factor, and that the crash might have been caused by driver inattention or a mechanical problem with the car.

The restaurant's structure was not significantly damaged, with the large front window and its frame taking most of the impact. Minor interior damage was reported.

While the pizza party was canceled, the restaurant remained open for business tonight.

–Bay City News Service contributed to this report. Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. – Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.