Two people were injured when a vehicle slammed into one of the most popular pizzerias in Howard Beach on Thursday afternoon.

The FDNY received a call just before 1:15 p.m. on Oct. 15 reporting that a BMW SUV had crashed into the rear of New Park Pizza at 156-71 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach.

A 68-year-old woman was attempting to park her white BMW SUV in the rear parking lot when she hit the accelerator instead of the brakes and lost control of the vehicle that crashed through the wall and into the dining area, police said. The driver sustained pain to her knee and neck and a 73-year-old male customer sustained a laceration to his knee. EMS transported them to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn where they were listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the FDNY.

Members of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit removed the vehicle from the building. The NYPD said the two civilians suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where they were listed in stable condition. Photo via Citizen New Park Pizza is a favorite stop for beachgoers heading to or returning from the Rockaways during the summer swim season.

"It’s a miracle that a life wasn't lost here," Council Member Joann Ariola told QNS. "I am extremely grateful that there weren't any fatalities, and I pray for a speedy recovery for those injured"

Inspectors from the city’s Department of Building were called to the scene for a structural stability inspection on the one-story commercial building occupied by New Park Piza. The inspectors observed that the rear side wall of the structure was badly damaged by the vehicle driving into the pizzeria. Utilities were cut to the building and the DOB inspectors found that front side egress to the structure was not affected. A board-up company was on site Thursday afternoon installing a construction fence to enclose the affected wall. The investigation is ongoing.

Senior Reporter. Reach me at bparry@schnepsmedia.com

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