Nina Santiago and Patrick Blackwood injured as vehicle ploughs through Houston restaurant window during live recording, with dramatic footage capturing glass flying and table overturning
Shocking footage has captured the terrifying moment food influencers Nina Santiago and Patrick Blackwood were struck by an SUV that crashed through a Houston restaurant window whilst they were filming a meal review, leaving both with bloody injuries and prompting an emotional reflection on life’s fragility.
The pair, who create content together on their YouTube channel Unrated EX Files, were recording at CuVee’s Culinary Creations on Saturday when the vehicle barrelled through the glass wall at an estimated 35 to 40 miles per hour, sending shards flying and overturning their table.
Santiago, known online as NinaUnrated, and Blackwood were approximately ten minutes into filming themselves enjoying sliders, wings, and mac and cheese when disaster struck without warning at the popular Houston eatery.
Dramatic Footage Shows Impact
The viral video, which has garnered over 10 million views on social media platform X within hours, shows the couple seated in a booth by the restaurant’s window as they tap their sliders together in a cheers moment. Seconds later, the SUV ploughs directly into their position, with the slow-motion footage revealing glass exploding across the dining area.
“We were laughing, having a great time, and right as we tapped our sliders together in a cheers moment, this SUV came barrelling through the glass wall,” Santiago recounted in an Instagram post following the incident.
The impact sent Santiago flying several metres, whilst Blackwood was pushed towards her as their table toppled over. Despite the chaos, Blackwood’s first instinct was to check on his companion, with viewers praising his protective response.
“Mad respect for the guy, first response was to protect her. He’s got great instincts,” one fan commented on the footage.
Hospital Treatment for Multiple Injuries
Both influencers were transported to a nearby hospital via ambulance, where they received treatment for multiple lacerations requiring stitches. Their shared YouTube channel documented the aftermath, including scenes from the ambulance ride and hospital visit.
Photos shared on social media revealed bloodied gashes on their cheeks, ears, chest, and arms. Santiago posted images showing her injuries whilst receiving medical attention, with Blackwood appearing alongside her in hospital photographs.
“Beyond grateful to be alive. This could have been our last meal,” Santiago wrote in a follow-up Instagram post, adding that the experience had fundamentally changed her perspective on life.
Blackwood echoed these sentiments, sharing photos of his injuries with the caption: “Grateful to see another day, walking away from the small stuff with a big purpose! Live bold, love deep, and make every moment count.”
Investigation Into Cause Continues
The cause of the SUV crash remains under investigation, according to local authorities. Houston Police Department officers responded to the scene, though specific details about the driver or potential charges have not been released.
Sources familiar with the incident indicated the SUV driver was unsure of what went wrong whilst on her way to a private event. The vehicle had crashed completely through the restaurant’s glass facade before coming to rest inside the dining area.
Complex magazine reported that traffic congestion was expected in the immediate aftermath of the incident, with emergency services working to clear the scene and assess structural damage to the restaurant.
Life-Changing Moment for Content Creators
The couple, who have built a substantial following through their food review content, returned to the restaurant the following day despite being physically and emotionally shaken by the experience.
“This terrifying experience has made us realise just how precious life is,” they wrote in captions accompanying the viral video. “Tomorrow is not promised do what you want to do today, live happy today, let go of everything holding you back, and forgive everybody.”
Santiago, who has operated her YouTube channel for more than 10 years and maintains an OnlyFans account, reflected deeply on the incident’s impact. “This experience showed me who truly matters; life’s too short for grudges or anger. Let go, forgive, live in the now, and cherish those around you.”
She also paid tribute to her late dog Loyal, saying she felt their “angel pup” was watching over them during the terrifying ordeal.
Viral Response and Safety Concerns
The incident has reignited discussions about restaurant safety measures, with many social media users calling for stronger protective barriers between dining areas and adjacent car parks.
“Restaurants near parking lots should install stronger barriers,” one concerned viewer commented, whilst another noted that similar incidents had occurred at other Houston establishments without the benefit of live footage to document the danger.
Reactions on social media platform X ranged from genuine concern to dark humour, with approximately 40 percent of top posts taking a lighter approach to processing the shocking event. One viral reply read: “The man is filled with panic and confusion… yet he has the power to continue chewing. A true hero.”
Others expressed more serious reflections, with one user writing: “Not even a second is guaranteed. Thank God for every second you live.”
Previous Similar Incidents
This is not the first time a Houston restaurant has experienced such an incident. In 2019, a 55-year-old driver was killed when an SUV slammed into Medi Grill restaurant in southeast Houston, though no diners were present at the time.
Industry experts note that whilst such crashes remain relatively rare, the proliferation of content creation in public spaces has increased the likelihood of dramatic incidents being captured on camera.
“For influencers, the crash serves as a cautionary tale about the unexpected risks of filming in public spaces,” noted one social media analyst. “What happened to Nina and Blackwood is a rare but vivid example of that reality.”
Ongoing Recovery and Renewed Purpose
As the couple continues their recovery, they have transformed what could have been a tragedy into a message about gratitude and living with purpose.
“We truly feel like we’ve been given a second chance, and we’re committed to making the most of it,” they stated. “We’re aiming to be beyond great amazing and we’re working on ourselves every day to become better people and crush our goals.”
The incident has ironically boosted the couple’s visibility, with major outlets including FOX 13, Complex, and international media picking up the story. Their message to fans remains consistent: embrace life’s uncertainty and make every moment count.
“Stay safe out there because life is so unexpected. That SUV came out of nowhere, and all we were doing was enjoying a simple meal,” they concluded in their emotional video reflection.
CuVee’s Culinary Creations has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident or any planned safety improvements to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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