A car crashed into the side of a McDonald's at Bruckner Plaza in Soundview shortly early Saturday afternoon.
The crash left significant damage to the building and scattered debris across the drive-thru area.
According to the FDNY, the vehicle slammed into the restaurant just after 12 p.m. Witnesses described hearing a loud impact before they discovered that the car lodged in the side of the building.
"It was like an explosion, a big explosion," said one man who was standing nearby when the crash occurred.
Another witness said he saw the occupants exit the vehicle and flee the scene immediately after the crash.
"They got out and started running," he said. "I didn't see their faces, but they were young kids."
The vehicle's airbags deployed during the crash. Emergency crews later removed the car from the building. Debris remained scattered throughout the drive-thru area as crews assessed the damage.
Authorities had not released information about the driver or any potential injuries as of Saturday evening.
The drive-thru remained closed Saturday afternoon, but the restaurant continued serving customers inside.