News Summary
Cafe Old Vienna, a popular Myrtle Beach restaurant, remains closed following a severe accident where a vehicle crashed into its building. Fortunately, the restaurant was closed at the time, preventing injuries or fatalities. The owner expressed relief as the establishment suffered significant structural damage. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Helsy Orozco, has been charged with driving without a license and for unsafe vehicle conditions. The community has rallied in support of the restaurant during this challenging time as efforts for repairs and recovery begin.
Myrtle Beach – Cafe Old Vienna, a popular restaurant located on North Kings Highway, will remain closed until further notice following a severe accident that occurred on Sunday evening, June 15. An SUV, identified as a Toyota 4Runner, crashed into the building when the driver lost control, drifting into the left lane and making a sharp turn into the restaurant’s brick exterior near 16th Avenue North.
Fortunately, the restaurant was closed at the time of the incident, as it typically observes closure on Sundays and Mondays. Business owner Werner Horeath expressed his relief that no customers or staff were present, as there could have been serious injuries or even fatalities if the establishment had been open.
The incident resulted in notable structural damage to Cafe Old Vienna. A long steel table was driven into the opposite wall, highlighting the impact’s force. Emergency services, including police and fire trucks, promptly arrived at the scene to assess the damage and secure the premises. Due to the extent of the damage, the fire department provided support for a compromised beam within the structure.
Following the accident, three men exited the surrounding vehicle. Preliminary observations indicate that the driver, who has been identified as Helsy Orozco, 25, did not appear intoxicated. However, the group reportedly encountered a language barrier, as they did not speak English. Orozco was subsequently arrested and issued two traffic tickets: one for driving without a license and another for operating a vehicle in unsafe mechanical conditions. The Myrtle Beach Police Department does not have a record of a formal incident report for this crash, although an accident report has been filed with the DMV.
Surveillance cameras captured video leading up to the crash, which shows the vehicle’s erratic movement before it struck the restaurant. The kitchen area of Cafe Old Vienna also sustained extensive damage as a result of the collision.
In response to the incident, Horeath has taken steps to facilitate repairs, employing a general contractor and engineer to assess the structural damage and make the necessary repairs. He is also in communication with his insurance company regarding potential claims resulting from the accident. Despite the challenges ahead, the restaurant management is committed to a swift recovery, aiming to rebuild and reopen as quickly as possible.
Following the crash, the Myrtle Beach community has shown its support for Cafe Old Vienna through social media, expressing well-wishes and encouragement to the restaurant staff. The possibility of a much larger tragedy has reinforced the sense of community surrounding the establishment, as patrons are grateful that no one was injured during the unfortunate event.
As enforcement and recovery efforts progress, the situation remains fluid, and Cafe Old Vienna looks forward to keeping the public informed regarding their reopening plans. Meanwhile, local officials continue to monitor the situation to ensure that safety measures are in place and that such incidents can be prevented in the future.
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- Myrtle Beach News
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- Southern Living: Best Restaurants
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
