Third Vehicle Collision in a Decade Hits Same Hillsborough Street Business, Sparking Urgent Safety Demands

April 28, 2026 - 03:54

A vehicle plowed into Carolina Kettle on Hillsborough Street late Tuesday night, marking the third time in less than ten years that the popular eatery has been struck by a car. The latest incident, which occurred overnight, has left the owner frustrated and deeply concerned about public safety.

The driver fled the scene after crashing through the front of the building, causing significant structural damage. No injuries were reported, but the owner expressed alarm that it is only a matter of time before a customer or employee is seriously harmed. "This is not just about property damage anymore," the owner stated. "We are sitting ducks here, and something has to change before we see a tragedy."

Local business owners and residents have long raised concerns about the intersection’s design, citing poor lighting, inadequate signage, and a lack of protective barriers. The repeated crashes have intensified calls for immediate safety improvements, including the installation of bollards or reinforced curbs to prevent vehicles from mounting the sidewalk.

City officials have been notified, and a review of traffic patterns is reportedly underway. However, the owner emphasized that talk is not enough. "We need action now. Three crashes in one decade is three too many," they added. The business remains temporarily closed as cleanup and repairs begin, with no timeline for reopening.