30 people injured in alleged drunk driving incident in Arizona

Arizona police estimate 30 people were injured after a 73-year-old man allegedly drove into the building of the local lodge he was trying to leave.

Thomas Edward Kain, 73, was taken into custody after he drove into the Elks Lodge building in Apache Junction on Saturday night. Police said on Sunday said that alcohol “was a contributing factor” to the accident but no additional details were provided.

“This accident shows just how dangerous it can be to drink and drive,” Apache Junction police said. “Alcohol impairs your ability to drive safely by reducing your reaction time and decision-making skills.”

No fatalities were reported but there were a number of injuries of varying severity, according to police. At least 10 people were transported to local hospitals by emergency responders.

One person is in critical but stable condition.

Another 15 people were treated at the scene for minor injuries, and five others transported themselves to hospitals, the police said.

Court records were not available online Sunday, and jail records show Kain was in custody in Pinal County. A phone call to Kain was not immediately returned.

“We want everyone to remember that drunk driving can have serious consequences, not just for the driver but for everyone around them,” the city said.

The Elks Lodge said in a post on Facebook that it was thinking of everyone injured and their family members. It also shared the number of a crisis support hotline for those in need.