Ursula Keating, 56, was killed and seven people were injured when a 93-year-old driver accidentally accelerated an SUV into diners outside Meg’s Grill in Lavallette, New Jersey. The crash occurred shortly before 11.30am on Saturday as the driver attempted to park, and the vehicle also struck a neighbouring wine and liquor shop. The incident has deeply affected the local community, where Keating was remembered as a devoted mother, wife and community member.

Police said the driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake and suffered minor injuries; the conditions of the seven people taken to hospital were not disclosed. Keating was reportedly dining with her daughter, who the restaurant praised for supporting her mother during the tragedy. Her husband, John Keating, is a volunteer fire chief, police officer, EMT and firefighter, and community members have organised support for the family. It remains unclear whether the driver faces charges.