Who Nearly Killed Houston Influencers After Rogue SUV Crashed Into Them — Entire Incident Caught On Video!

A food review at a Houston restaurant turned into a near-tragedy on Saturday 16 August 2025, when a sports utility vehicle (SUV) ploughed through a glass wall and struck two social media influencers as they filmed at their table.

The incident, captured on the pair's own cameras, has since gone viral across platforms such as TikTok and X. It has also raised questions about who was behind the wheel and how such an extraordinary accident could take place.

The Moment of Impact

Nina Santiago, known online as NinaUnrated, and fellow content creator Patrick Blackwood were recording at CuVee's Culinary Creations in west Houston when the SUV hit the front of the building. They had been seated by a window reviewing dishes including salmon sliders when the vehicle came through the glass at an estimated 35–40 mph, according to the San Antonio Express News.

The collision shattered their table and sent glass across the dining area. Video shows Blackwood shielding Santiago, a reaction that observers believe may have prevented more serious injury. Both were taken to hospital with cuts and bruises before being discharged the same day. Later, they returned to the restaurant to finish their meal at a safer spot inside, Spilled reported.

The Driver's Role

Police and witnesses have described the crash as a freak accident. The driver, a woman arriving for a private function at the restaurant, believed she had placed the vehicle in 'park'. When she removed her foot from the brake, the SUV rolled forward into the dining area, according to the New York Post.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office, which covers much of the Houston metropolitan area, confirmed there was no evidence of alcohol or drug use. The driver was not impaired, and investigators concluded the incident stemmed from a brief lapse in attention rather than deliberate action, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Aftermath and Reactions

Both influencers shared reflections on social media in the hours following the crash. Santiago posted on Instagram, '...this could've been our last meal,' urging followers to value the present and 'cherish those around you'. Blackwood expressed gratitude on TikTok for survival, telling supporters he was 'grateful to see another day'.

CuVee Culinary Creations told NBC News they reopened swiftly once repairs were made, encouraging customers to return for brunch rather than launching fundraising appeals. Messages of relief and support for the pair circulated widely online, many praising Blackwood's instinctive response during the crash.

Lessons From the Crash

The incident has drawn wide attention, amplified by video footage circulating online. In Harris County, covering much of Houston, the sheriff's office is leading the investigation. Police have confirmed the collision was accidental, caused when the driver's SUV rolled after she mistakenly thought it was secured.

The event highlights the unpredictability of daily life and the hazards faced by content creators who often film in public settings. For Santiago and Blackwood, what began as a routine food review became a stark reminder of life's fragility. Their experience has reinforced a message that resonated with their audiences where even in ordinary moments, circumstances can change in an instant.