The spectacular scene as a car crashed into the front of a well-known restaurant in Oswaldtwistle is captured on camera.
Following the horrific incident that caused significant damage to the front and interior of the establishment, the owners of the Royal Phoenix restaurant on Union Road said they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the neighbourhood.
Tuesday morning, just after 2:30 a.m., there was a crash.
Mondays are typically when the restaurant is closed, although the owners reside above the establishment.
San Tse who has run the restaurant for 10 years said they had no option but to close the business for the foreseeable future during an ‘awful’ 24 hours.
She said: “We heard a massive bang. It was very scary. We rushed downstairs to see what had happened.”
San said two people got out of the vehicle and left the scene.
She said: “They did not seem to be injured as they appear to have got out of the car.
“It has been extremely stressful time for us and we are so shook up.
“It has been the most horrible experience ever. The vehicle had smashed through the building’s front and the metal barrier.
“Fortunately, the bar area has not been completely destroyed, but there is still damage there.”
The restaurant, which first opened in 1990, has had collision damage before.
“So many members of the local community have come forward and offered their support,” San stated.
“People’s love has been overwhelmingly overwhelming.” We’ve received calls from people asking if they can help in any way and offering to assist with the cleanup.
“To be honest, we feel so loved by the community, and right now, this is the only consolation we have.”
San stated that they had reached out to the council on Tuesday for assistance with the cleanup, but ultimately chose to hire a private firm and an assessor.
I called the police multiple times in regards to the metal railings, assuming that it had been reported previously. It didn’t seem like Lancashire Highways had this incident documented until I brought it up when I called them.
“People’s love has been overwhelmingly overwhelming.” We’ve received calls from people asking if they can help in any way and offering to assist with the cleanup.
“To be honest, we feel so loved by the community, and right now, this is the only consolation we have.”
San stated that they had reached out to the council on Tuesday for assistance with the cleanup, but ultimately chose to hire a private firm and an assessor.
I called the police multiple times in regards to the metal railings, assuming that it had been reported previously. It didn’t seem like Lancashire Highways had this incident documented until I brought it up when I called them.
“It has been an extremely difficult process but we have contacted a company ourselves now and taken the matter into our own hands.”
The restaurant was named as a finalist from in Chinese Restaurant of the Year category at the 2024 English Restaurant Awards.
San added: “As we have been struggling during the pandemic, we feel very lucky that we are still here and able to continue business. We have had a number of unfortunate incidents over the years.”
Customers were keen to pass on messages of support to the restaurant owners via Facebook.
Yvonne said: “I’m glad you are all ok. Hopefully it won’t be long before you are back up and running. Take care, sending our love.”
Lydia said: “We’re all here for you and sending you lots of love and hugs, let us know if you need anything.”
“Oh no, I’m so gutted for you,” Katie continued. I hope everything is OK and that you will soon be reopen.
“I hope you get back up and running soon. Sorry this has happened. Glad that everyone is ok,” Andrea remarked.
