Two dead and four injured after man drives his car through the patio of a restaurant in Minnesota

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. (AP) — A man drove his car through the patio of a suburban Minneapolis restaurant on Sunday where a group of medical workers were partying, killing two of them and injuring at least four, police and hospital officials said.

Surveillance camera footage shows a man, who police did not name, driving into the outdoor patio of the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, a city just west of Minneapolis. The footage shows the man entering the restaurant's parking lot Sunday night but not going inside. He attempted to park and then drove into the outdoor patio, police said.

The driver was arrested on a charge of negligent homicide. Police did not provide any further details about a possible motive. The identities of the victims were also not released. In a written statement Monday, Annelise Heitkamp, ​​a spokeswoman for Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, said one of the dead and the four injured had worked at the facility.

“Following the tragic incident at Park Tavern, we mourn the loss of a beloved and valued colleague and friend to many here at Methodist Hospital and HealthPartners,” said Heitkamp. “Our thoughts are with our colleague's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The statement did not name the deceased, saying all four hospital employees injured were nurses. Dr. Thomas Stark, who works at Methodist Hospital, told KSTP-TV the group of colleagues went to the Park Tavern near the hospital on Sunday night to celebrate with one of the nurses who was leaving her job for a new one.

“On to the next chapter of their lives and everyone was out celebrating, having a good time and saying goodbye,” Stark said.

According to the news channel, the nurse is now in hospital with serious injuries.

A person who witnessed the incident told KARE-TV that the driver collided with the rear of his vehicle and then sped straight into a crowd of about 30 people on the terrace, the news channel reported.

The Park Tavern is a “family-friendly destination with bowling alleys and arcade games, as well as a restaurant and bar,” its website says. In a written statement posted online, the restaurant said it will remain closed until further notice.

“Thank you for your understanding and kindness during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said.

The Minnesota State Patrol reconstructed the accident and the police investigation into the incident is ongoing, authorities said.

The Associated Press