Fed Ex driver claimed ‘black out’ before hitting Olive Garden

The Fed Ex driver who left I-70 Eastbound, crossed over I-70 Drive Southwest, and drove into the Olive Garden Restaurant on October 28th claimed he ‘blacked out’ after a coughing episode.

According to the crash investigation report from the Columbia Police Department, 60 year-old Bruce Maessen of St. Charles, MO, was driving the truck tractor hauling two trailers that morning just after 3 a.m. The report shows the truck left the interstate, went through a chain link fence, traveled over I-70 Drive SW, then struck several trees in the parking lot before hitting the building. The cab and front trailer caught fire and were destroyed, but Maessen was able to escape the blaze with moderate injuries.

There was moderate damage to the Olive Garden that kept the restaurant closed for a couple of days.

The crash investigator mentioned in the report that he has not been able to make further contact with Maessen for a more-in-depth statement.