Nissan Altima struck five people inside store at the Kroger in Athens
December 16, 2025 | Athens, GA
On Dec. 16, five individuals sustained injuries after an alleged impaired driver struck them at a Kroger supermarket located on Alps Road in Athens.
Lonneshia Appling, 40, faces arrest after a vehicle crashed into a Kroger on Alps Road, injuring five people in Athens.
What Happened in the Athens Kroger Crash?
Authorities reported that the victims were pedestrians near the pharmacy area when a Nissan Altima, operated by 40-year-old Lonneshia Appling, veered into the store just before noon. One Kroger employee became trapped between the vehicle and a self-checkout kiosk, resulting in a fractured skull.
Key details of the incident include:
- Date and Time: Dec. 16, 2025, around 11:45 a.m.
- Location: Kroger supermarket, 185 Alps Road, Athens, GA
- Vehicle Involved: Nissan Altima
- Driver: Lonneshia Appling, 40, with a revoked license and prior criminal record
- Injuries: Five people were hurt, including serious head trauma to one employee
- Driver's Statement: Appling claimed no recollection of accelerating into the building
Appling faces multiple charges, including felony serious injury by vehicle, possession and use of drug-related objects, DUI, drugs less safe, and reckless driving.
Why Do Impaired Driving Accidents Like This Occur?
Impaired driving, particularly involving drugs, remains a significant risk on roadways and in parking areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-alcohol drugs contribute to about 18% of motor vehicle driver fatalities nationwide, resulting in nearly 11,000 deaths annually.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Drug-Involved Driver Deaths |
About 11,000 per year |
CDC |
Percentage of Fatal Crashes Involving Drugs (Non-Alcohol) |
18% |
CDC |
Common Drugs in Impairment Cases |
Marijuana, opioids, stimulants |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
These figures underscore the dangers of operating vehicles under the influence, which can lead to devastating collisions in unexpected places like supermarket lots.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on handling cases involving impaired driving incidents.
"In cases such as this, separate from any criminal proceedings, affected parties may seek compensation via civil action against the at-fault driver," said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. "An advocate can offer compassionate support, safeguarding rights and ensuring accountability for negligent behavior."
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Victims may pursue claims for medical costs, ongoing care, pain, and emotional distress.
- Legal guidance helps navigate the complexities following a serious collision.
- Holding impaired drivers responsible promotes safer communities.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the broader effects: "The aftermath of such injuries often affects daily life profoundly, from family dynamics to financial stability. Awareness of legal entitlements is crucial for recovery."
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).