Car smashes into bungalow

A bungalow suffered severe damage after a car left the road and smashed into the side of it.

Neighbours reported hearing an almighty crash as the car caused severe cracking to the building and wrecked gas pipes leading to the property.

An elderly woman inside the bungalow, on the quiet cul-de-sac of Hampstead Close, Wednesfield, was unhurt but badly shaken.

The 82-year old woman driver, who was in a rental car, was taken to hospital with a fractured hip. She is believed to be a neighbour who lost control of the car as she attempted to manoeuvre in the cul-de-sac.

One neighbour living close to the property, 78-year old William Somerfield, said: “I didn’t know anything about it until afterwards when I was in the house and the police came knocking to tell us what happened.

“They said we might have to evacuate our homes. I can’t believe the damage it has caused – it looks like one hell of a bump.”

The driver was taken to New Cross Hospital following yesterday’s accident, where she is in a stable condition.

Sarah Astbury, spokeswoman for West Midlands Police, said: “We had a call out after reports that a car had gone into a wall. It caused damage to pipes and wall.”

Assessments are still taking place and it is thought structural work will be necessary.