A 19-month-old child sustained serious injuries on Saturday when a van collided with the wall of Cuba Restaurant and Bar, located at 915 North 27th Street in Nebraska, as reported by the Lincoln Police Department.
The incident took place at 11:52 a.m. during the busy lunchtime hour, with the establishment bustling with patrons and staff.
Authorities revealed that a 19-year-old driver of a white van suffered a medical emergency, leading to a loss of consciousness as he traveled north on North 27th Street from Vine Street. This caused the vehicle to veer off the road, crashing into the east side of the building and creating a sizable hole in the wall.
The injured toddler was inside the restaurant at the time of the crash and initially received medical attention at a Lincoln hospital. Due to the severity of the injuries, the child was later transferred to Omaha for further treatment.
Several passengers in the van, along with other restaurant customers, reported minor injuries.
The Lincoln Journal Star described the impact as causing "a large gaping hole in the restaurant, which police cordoned off."
The Lincoln Building and Safety Department assessed the damage, declaring the structure unsafe for occupancy. As a result, the restaurant has been temporarily closed until necessary repairs are completed.
Initial investigations suggest that the driver's medical emergency was the accident's cause. No charges have been filed against the 19-year-old driver at this time.
Incidents like this are not unique to Lincoln. In October 2025, a white Tesla crashed into the terrace of Norman's Tavern in Miami Beach on Collins Avenue. Fortunately, the establishment was closed, and no injuries were reported.
Cuba Restaurant and Bar is part of Nebraska's small Cuban community, which, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, includes approximately 1,200 individuals of Cuban descent throughout the state. Many are drawn by employment opportunities and the low cost of living.
The Cuban presence in the region has been on the rise in recent years. Stories like that of a Cuban woman braving Nebraska's snow in summer attire or another recounting her life change upon arriving in the United States highlight the community's adaptation to the American Midwest.
The Lincoln Police continue to investigate the crash and are seeking information from the public, urging anyone with details to contact them at 402-441-6000.
Understanding the Nebraska Van Crash Incident
What caused the van to crash into the Cuban restaurant?
The crash was caused by a medical emergency experienced by the 19-year-old driver, leading to a loss of consciousness and the vehicle veering off the road.
How is the condition of the 19-month-old child?
The child was seriously injured and initially treated at a Lincoln hospital before being transferred to Omaha for further medical care.
Is the restaurant still open following the accident?
No, the restaurant is temporarily closed due to the structural damage deemed unsafe by the Lincoln Building and Safety Department.