Two of Ohio City's newest restaurants, Jaja and Pioneer, have been forced to close indefinitely following a dramatic car crash that occurred early Thursday morning. The incident, which left a 24-year-old driver hospitalized in serious condition, has sparked concerns among local residents about the safety and security of the neighborhood.

Speeding Audi Slams into Jaja's Entrance, Causing Extensive Damage

Crash Occurs in the Early Hours of Halloween Morning

Around 3 a.m. on October 31st, a black Audi speeding westbound on Abbey Road lost control, hit a fire hydrant, and slammed directly into the main entrance of Jaja, the popular restaurant located within the INTRO building. The impact also caused significant damage to the entrance of Jaja's sister establishment, Pioneer. Cleveland Police are currently investigating the incident, including the possibility of criminal implications, as the driver was reportedly hospitalized in serious condition.

Residents Awoken by Fire Alarms and Notifications

The crash immediately set off several alarms within the INTRO building, alerting residents to the unfolding situation. The building's concierge quickly notified tenants via the building's app, though some residents expressed skepticism, citing a history of similar late-night incidents in the area. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled being woken up by the alarms and messages from nearby friends, though they acknowledged that "it's good no one was hurt" in the incident.

Restaurants Forced to Close Indefinitely

Both Jaja and Pioneer have announced on their respective Instagram accounts that their establishments will be closed "until further notice" as a result of the damage sustained in the crash. The restaurants have encouraged their patrons to support the nearby Edda Coffee in the coming weeks to help make up for the lost revenue. In a statement, Pioneer expressed their commitment to "working hard to reopen our doors as quickly as possible" and their eagerness to welcome customers back soon.

Authorities Investigating Cause and Potential Charges

Cleveland Police have stated that they will be investigating the cause of the crash and any potential criminal implications. Sgt. Freddy Diaz of the Cleveland Police Department told WKYC that they will be "looking into the cause as more details are available" and that they will "handle it from there" once the investigation reveals the factors involved.

Residents Express Concerns About Neighborhood Safety

The incident has raised concerns among some INTRO building residents about the safety and security of the Ohio City neighborhood. One resident, who had previously expressed skepticism about the alarms, acknowledged that "there was a car that ran into the building, and I believe it was on fire." The crash has left many residents questioning the underlying issues that may be contributing to such late-night incidents in the area, and they are eager to see the results of the police investigation.As the community waits for Jaja and Pioneer to reopen, the impact of this fiery crash will likely continue to reverberate throughout Ohio City, prompting discussions about the need for increased safety measures and a closer examination of the factors that may be leading to such disruptive events in the neighborhood.