Nebraska man killed in McDonald’s drive-thru ‘freak accident’
The Brief:
A 69-year-old man died after becoming wedged between his car and a McDonald’s building in a drive-thru line.
Police described the situation as a bizarre accident, with the driver being the only occupant.
A McDonald’s employee was hurt while providing assistance and is likely to recover.
Hastings, Nebraska
According to investigators, a 69-year-old man from Grand Island, Nebraska, died after being stuck between his vehicle and a structure in the McDonald’s drive-thru lane.
Grand Island Police and Fire Departments responded to the incident and discovered somebody stuck between the truck and the structure.
The inquiry found that the driver was the only occupant of the car and suffered fatal injuries.
The victim
69-year-old Michael Dickinson of Grand Island, was taken to the CHI St. Francis Emergency Room and died.
According to Grand Island Police Division Chief Dean Elliott, the incident was “100% a freak accident.”
“It appears the deceased opened the door to further reach out the window for payment purposes.” Elliott stated.
“Elliott explained that it’s unclear whether the car suddenly moved or if something else went wrong, but the man became trapped between the vehicle’s door frame and the drive-thru service counter at
McDonald’s went outside to assist by entering the vehicle from the passenger side and was hurt in the process. The employee was taken to the hospital in an ambulance and is expected to recover.
Next steps:
The issue is still under investigation.
The Source:
The Grand Island Police Department and Grand Island Fire Department contributed information for this report, which included specifics from the on-scene investigation.
Grand Island Police Division Chief Dean Elliott provided further information and remarks during an interview with KSNB. The story was reported from Los Angeles.