A shop owner has spoken of his disbelief after a car obliterated his building - for the second time in just four months.
Emergency services raced to the scene of the major crash on Canterbury Street in Ashton-under-Lyne at around 6.45pm on Thursday (January 5). A BMW had smashed straight into the Alan Fish LTD electricals store, causing the already damaged building to completely crumble.
A woman who managed to free herself from the car before fire crews and police arrived at the scene was checked over by paramedics. Greater Manchester Police later confirmed a woman had been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and was taken into custody.
READ MORE Home collapses after car smashes into it with woman arrested
Alan Fish 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 Manchester Evening News 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.
"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."
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 situations. 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.
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 in 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."
Emergency services descended on Canterbury Street at 6.45pm after the car crashed into the corner of the property. Extraordinary images show the rubble that has collapsed onto the vehicle, with a gaping hole in the side of the building.
Fortunately no other casualties have been reported in the collision but nearby homes were evacuated as a safety precaution.
A GMP spokesman said: "At 6:45pm on Thursday, January 5 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."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 6.45pm on Thursday 5 January, 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.
“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.”
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