Diners make lucky escape after elderly driver crashes into Lobster Cave in Beaumaris

Diners at the Lobster Cave in Beaumaris have had a lucky escape after a 77-year-old driver hit the accelerator instead of the brake and ploughed into the seafood restaurant.

A car has ploughed through a busy restaurant in Melbourne’s south east after an elderly man mistakenly hit the accelerator.

The white sedan smashed through the front window of The Lobster Cave in Beaumaris shortly before 9pm on Wednesday, with a restaurant full of unsuspecting diners just inches away.

Victoria Police said it is believed a 77-year-old man, accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake on North Concourse about 8.45pm.

Several diners sustained minor injuries but did not require treatment.

A car has smashed through the front window of the Lobster Cave restaurant. Picture: Supplied

Diners at the restaurant escaped major injury. Picture: Supplied

The accident happened after an elderly driver hit the accelerator and not the brake. Picture: Supplied

In a post to social media just moments after the accident, the seafood restaurant said customers were forced to leave the venue, some without receiving their meal.

“An awful and shocking accident has happened where a car ran into our restaurant during service tonight,” they said.

“Thank goodness no one was hurt, one table were inches away from the impact. All customers were immediately vacated, most didn’t even get to eat dinner, all produce is going in the bin and our team are now cleaning up.”

Videos show shattered glass and plates full of food strewn across the restaurant’s floor, while employees could be seen clearing tables as police and fire crews investigated the incident.