05 January 2023 , 21:21
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A house dramatically collapsed on top of a car after the wayward vehicle smashed into it, with a woman miraculously walking free - before being arrested for drink driving.
The building in Manchester was hit this evening and a number of nearby properties were evacuated. Pictures from the scene showed the street covered in rubble.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said a car collided with a house causing "significant structural damage".
They added the driver of the car "freed herself from the car prior to crews" and was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Local people in Canterbury Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, said the same building had already been struck back in September and had been damaged when another car ploughed into it.
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Alan Fish, who owns an electric shop near the collapsed property, said he was in the store just five minutes before the incident tonight.
The house was destroyed after the crash (Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)He then said he heard a "loud bang" when the BMW smashed into the house, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Alan has owned the small store on the corner of Canterbury Street and Cowhill Lane for 46 years. In September last year, another vehicle had crashed into the property, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage and leaving the shop front boarded up for months.
Speaking to the M.E.N at the scene on Thursday night, Alan, who lives just across the road and rents a flat above the shop, said: "I was in the shop just five minutes before and went home to go in my garage - then I heard this loud bang. I couldn't believe it had happened again.
A BMW crashed into a house this evening"It took seven weeks for the insurance to accept liability the first time and the shop has been boarded up ever since. I haven't opened since and am looking to retire, so have been selling various things on eBay.
"My daughter was ringing me and came down worried because she knew I'd been in the shop just minutes before and was worried I was inside. I was in the room at the back.
"I can't believe the speed in which people drive down this road. People are always speeding and running through red lights."
Police and GMFRS attend the incident in Greater Manchester (Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Local residents said a similar incident happened back in September (Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)Seeming somewhat unphased by the crash on Thursday night, which had caused the building in its entirety to crumble, he added: "I volunteered as a special constable in the police for years, so you learn to just accept this situation.
"There is nothing you can do. I am off inside for a cup of tea."
Others living on the street said they were appalled by what happened, however.
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Emergency services at the scene of the incident (MEN Media)One resident of nearby Mount Pleasant Street said: "I remember a couple of months back another car had crashed into the same building. Tonight, I heard a bang and felt the vibration in my house and asked my husband what it was. A couple of minutes later we saw all the blue lights."
Another, also concerned at the speed at which people drive, added: “This road is awful. People always come speeding down here it’s a death trap. It was always a matter of time before another accident."
Greater Manchester Police said a woman was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and remains in police custody.
Emergency services attended the scene at 6.45pm (Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)GMFRS said in a statement: "At around 6.45pm on Thursday, January, 5, fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Canterbury Street, Ashton.
"Two fire engines from Ashton and Stalybridge stations, as well as the technical rescue unit from Ashton, quickly attended the scene.
"The incident involved a car colliding with a house causing significant structural damage.
A building has partially collapsed after it was struck by a vehicle this evening (MEN Media)"The driver had freed herself from the car prior to crews’ arrival and is being treated at the scene by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).
"No other casualties have been reported.
"Firefighters remain in attendance, working with emergency service colleagues and Tameside Council to make the area safe.”
Police at the scene in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester (MEN Media)Greater Manchester Police added: "At 6:45pm on 5/1/23 officers attended a road traffic collision on Canterbury Street in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Tameside.
"A car collided with a building causing part of the building to collapse.
"Officers and emergency services are in attendance and a scene is in place.
"One woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and has been taken into police custody as enquiries continue."