MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCIV) -- The owner of a demolished Huddle House location along Highway 52 in Moncks Corner believes Monday was a great day.
"I rejoice in what happened," owner George Kurien said.
That sentiment was directly attributed to the fact that somehow both the driver of a truck and the workers inside the smashed structure were not seriously harmed.
Moncks Corner police say Arthur Hacker, of Summerville, was driving a semi-truck too fast as he approached the nearby intersection. He was unable to make the turn and crashed into the Huddle House, police say. He's been charged with careless operation.
The driver was taken to Trident Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to police. They say drugs and alcohol are not suspected as contributing factors in the crash.
Workers inside the restaurant around 1:30 a.m. on Monday described the moment of impact as something similar to a raging storm.
"It was like a tornado. Metal glass. We didn't know what it was. It was actually a brick that hit me in the head. That's a very popular table right there (referring to corner of building)," employee Tammy Floyd said.
The damage didn't stop the phone from working and ringing early Monday morning. Kurien believes people were calling in for takeout orders.
Food won't be served at this Huddle House location for some time. Most of the restaurant is destroyed.
"It's a shock. I'm just glad the employees are safe. There was no customers (inside). That's the blessing. I'm glad. The building can be replaced. I'm glad no lives are lost. It is the grace of god. I'm glad that god has given us this privilege of being on earth. Today is a great day. I rejoice in what happened. We'll rebuild and I'm going to place my employees at my other stores and we'll go from there," Kurien said.