Brothers Die When SUV Driven by 78-Year-Old Man Careens Into Hardee’s Restaurant

Two brothers dining at a Hardee’s restaurant in North Carolina were killed Sunday morning when an SUV slammed into the restaurant’s front window.

Police said Christopher Ruffin , 58, was pronounced dead at the scene, and his brother, 62-year-old Clay Ruffin, was taken to a hospital in Greenville, where he died from his injuries.

The driver was identified as Jesse Lawrence, 78. He was treated and released from Wilson Medical Center, WRAL said.

Wilson Police Sgt Eric J McInerny said another customer was checked out on the scene.

Witnesses said Lawrence had been at a car wash across the street and abruptly accelerated across the road shortly before 10 a.m. and plowed into the restaurant, knocking over tables and seats inside.

“At this time, officers are still investigating the incident but do not believe it to be medical or impairment related,” McInerny said, according to The Wilson Times.

It’s unclear if Lawrence has been charged or if any charges are expected.

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[Featured image: Drew C. Wilson/The Wilson Times via AP]