30 injured when 73-year-old accused drunk driver crashes into Elks Lodge, AZ cops say

Thirty people were left injured when a man accused of driving drunk crashed into a lodge, Arizona officials said.

Thomas Edward Kain, 73, was at Elks Lodge #2349, a fraternal organization, on Sept. 7 when he got in his truck to leave and crashed into the building, according to a news release by Apache Junction police.

Ten people were sent to hospitals in ambulances, 15 others received medical attention at the scene and at least five others drove themselves to a hospital for injuries, police said.

One person is in critical but stable condition, police said. Their health continues to improve as of Sept. 10, police said.

Police said they believe alcohol was a contributing factor.

Kain was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, endangerment and DUI.

Police said they are waiting on Kain’s blood test to determine the extent of alcohol impairment.

The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is doing its own investigation.

Elks Lodge told the public that there is a crisis hotline available for anyone who needs support, according to a Sept. 8 Facebook post from the group.

Apache Junction is about a 40-mile drive east from Phoenix.

This story was originally published September 10, 2024 at 11:06 AM with the headline "30 injured when 73-year-old accused drunk driver crashes into Elks Lodge, AZ cops say."