An SUV crashed into an iconic Jersey Shore hot dog stand Monday morning, seriously injuring the stand's 74-year-old owner.
The crash occurred around 7:45 a.m. at the Wunder Wiener stand on Route 9 south in Berkeley Township.
The stand's owner, Gerald LaCrosse, was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical to be treated for his injuries.
Witnesses told News 12 New Jersey that LaCrosse was conscious and talking when emergency responders arrived and removed him from the debris.
Frank Kymack, who works at the repair shop next door, says he ran over to help as soon as the crash happened.
“His head was gashed open. His leg was cut open, but he was talking to me. He was coherent,” Kymack said. “We held the building up until the paramedics came.”
Witnesses said the SUV skidded when the driver tried to avoid a vehicle that was stopped to make a turn. The SUV then struck a utility pole and the stand.
The driver suffered an arm injury that wasn't believed to be serious. The driver's name wasn't released, and it wasn't clear if any charges would be filed.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.