By Paris Rain, FOX23.com News Staff
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Security cameras captured the moment a pickup truck slammed into the dining area of Oneta Station Diner between the breakfast and lunch rushes.
“We had already had our breakfast rush,” explained waitress Melissa Newkirk. “We were just kind of resetting for what was to come for lunch an hour after church service. I heard a huge crash and then saw a truck coming into the diner.”
The truck drove directly into the dining area, trapping a waitress named Gina.
Coworkers said she was pinned against the restaurant’s salad bar and taken to the hospital in critical condition.
“When the truck hit the bar, it squished her up against another bar closer to the kitchen,” said waitress Taylor Stricklen. “She was just pinned by our salad bar. It was really scary. There wasn’t anything we could do to help. It was definitely life changing.”
The diner has remained closed since the crash, leaving its 11 employees without work.
Staff members created a GoFundMe to help cover expenses while the restaurant is closed and Gina recovers.
Oneta Station Diner Manager MacRay McManus explained why the employees decided to set up the campaign.
“One, because Gina will be out for several months and two, because we just don’t have a clear answer as to when we’ll be open. All of us have kids. All of us have families. All of us have bills. Those things don’t stop just because something tragic happens. It’s just to supplement us until we can get our insurance up and get everything that we need done.”
While the restaurant remains closed, employees said the community’s support has continued through calls, messages and prayers.
Waitress Erica Nelson said, “We’re very, very thankful for any and all of the thoughts and prayers. That’s what we need right now. We’re very thankful and blessed. We miss everybody and cannot wait to get back to work.”
McManus said they’re searching for one family who had two minors that were hit directly during the crash in an effort to check in and see how they are all doing.
If that family is you or if you know the family, the diner encourages you to reach out to them on Facebook at Oneta Station Diner here.
The diner doesn’t have a set date for when they’ll be able to reopen, but believe they’ll have a better estimate some time next month.
If you would like to contribute to the staff’s GoFundMe, click here.
