A woman who tested positive for cocaine has crashed her car into a restaurant terrace in Torrevieja, Alicante province. The accident happened during the early hours of Monday at the junction of San Pascual and Joaquín Chapaprieta streets. The restaurant was closed at the time, and the driver was not injured.

The car was travelling towards Apolo Street before hitting the outdoor area. The impact destroyed two stone planters and a large section of the wooden decking. Police attended to remove the vehicle, investigate the circumstances and carry out alcohol and drug tests.

The restaurant’s owners found the terrace damaged when they opened the premises. Debris from the vehicle, including its bumper, remained on the decking. The business relies heavily on its outdoor tables and chairs, particularly during one of the busiest weekends of the tourist season.

The driver, a young Spanish national, is facing an administrative penalty for the presence of cocaine in her system. The reported penalty is a €1,000 fine and the loss of six driving-licence points. An initial positive drug test must be confirmed by a further analysis. A criminal case may be considered if police find evidence that the substance affected her driving.