Several people were injured after a car crashed through the front of Stacey’s Place, a Mexico restaurant, Sunday afternoon.

Five people were injured from the crash but only one individual , a 37-year-old man, was taken from the scene by ambulance, according to a Mexico Public Safety Department news release. The man went to University Hospital where he was treated and released.

Stacey Conklin, the restaurant owner, told the Ledger that the restaurant will be closed for an undetermined period. She said restaurant employees suffered just a few minor injuries.

The release said Mexico Public Safety Department personnel responded to the 4500 block of East Liberty Street at 12:55 p.m. regarding a vehicle that drove into a building. Responding personnel learned an 88-year-old man from Mexico was driving his 2015 GMC SUV and lost control and drove through the front wall of a building. There were around 35 people in the restaurant at the time of the crash, and Audrain Ambulance District personnel identified and stabilized anyone with injuries, the release stated. 

The building sustained significant damage, the release stated, and Mexico building officials will work with the owner and contractors to ensure the building is made safe again.

“As soon as we can open, we’re full back in business,” Conklin told the Ledger. 

She said she had talked with a contractor Monday morning and she thinks the restaurant could reopen within a month. She said she will keep people updated on Facebook on the progress of the repairs. 

Stacey’s Place has been open for 14 1/2 years. Conklin said she was grateful for the support.

“I appreciate all the support, the phone calls and the prayers and everything from all the community to my staff and everybody,” she said, adding the support Sunday was “just overwhelming” and said her main concern was no one was seriously injured.