(Updated 9.30pm) Ireland’s four courts at the courthouse caught fire after a car crashed into them around dinnertime on Friday.
The fire has already been extinguished after a two-alarm response from the fire department. Photos from the scene show the longtime local bar charred, with a car completely inside the restaurant after the crash. An earlier photo shows flames shooting from the front of the pub as police rush to the scene and an injured person is lifted by several people on the pavement.
Police say four people were taken to hospitals with serious and life-threatening injuries. Four other people were hospitalized with less serious injuries, while six were treated at the scene. according to Arlington County Police.
The injured are said to include the driver of the car and at least one restaurant employee.
Dave Cahill, general manager of Four Courts, told ARLnow in a brief phone call that at least one employee was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but none were seriously injured. The four people who were seriously injured are believed to be patrons who were inside the bar at a happy hour for a local business, Cahill said.
The crash happened when a car “came down N. Courthouse Road and into the building really fast,” Cahill said. He said it went about 20 feet into the building before it came to rest and caught fire. Initial reports suggest several people were inside the car at the time of the crash.
Courthouse Road ends at a “T” intersection with Wilson Blvd, with Four Courts directly in front of the turning traffic. It is not clear why the driver did not stop or turn around. According to witnesses, the car appeared to be going well over the speed limit.
Police radio traffic immediately after the crash paints a chaotic scene, with officers calling for “multiple ambulances” and reporting to dispatch that “a lot of people” were trapped in the burning restaurant.
A large emergency response remains on site and roads in the area are expected to remain closed for an extended period of time.
“Please keep all those injured in your thoughts and prayers,” Ireland’s Four Courts said on social media shortly before 8 p.m. “Thank you to @ArlingtonVaPD and @ArlingtonVaFD for their quick response. We are devastated “.
“Praying for the health of those injured in this horrific incident,” County Board member Takis Karantonis said.
Cahill called the damage to the front of the restaurant “very significant,” but told ARLnow he believes the newer back of the restaurant and its kitchen were spared fire damage. Police said around 9:30 p.m. that engineers determined the building was structurally sound.
During the response to the crash and fire, the Arlington County Fire Department Battalion Chief’s vehicle was involved in a major crash on Route 50 at the intersection with Fillmore Street. No additional information was immediately available about this accident.
NEWS PHOTO: @RealJDenton pic.twitter.com/qk2ewCWfAK
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) August 12, 2022
CLARENDON 2 ALARM FIRE WITH MULTIPLE VICTIMS @fox5dc @nbcwashington @alanhenney @RealTimeNews10 pic.twitter.com/aTZDZjjxA0
— Xavier “X” (@xthefirephoto) August 12, 2022
Here’s the oldest video I’ve seen so far of the vehicle at Ireland’s Four Courts setting fire to the bar and restaurant. This is on Wilson near N. Courthouse. Several people reported injuries.
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) August 12, 2022
Is @irelands4courts — a place where I’ve spent a lot of time and probably more money. I hope the people there are ok. pic.twitter.com/lhOgj1HZzr
— Sean Quinn (@sdquinn) August 12, 2022
BREAKING NEWS: Vehicle crashes into Irish pub in Arlington, Virginia. This is in Clarendon – avoid the area as the roads are closed. Witnesses tell me that a fire has started 🔥 and the police confirm that several people are injured. There are several stretchers and bandaged people on the scene. pic.twitter.com/Meoeh8EUwa
— Sierra Fox (@thesierrafox) August 12, 2022
Video of the fire on Wilson Blvd after a vehicle crashed into a restaurant.
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) August 12, 2022
Large fire in Arlington, reports of car crashing into restaurant pic.twitter.com/3gyrwUKSD6
— 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘪 (@nagy_minaj) August 12, 2022
