Miraculously, no-one was killed or seriously injured when a B-double crashed into a Moree home early Friday morning when the truck-driver attempted to avoid a collision with a west-bound vehicle on the intersection of Albert and Edward Streets.
The truck struck the home’s carport and came to a rest within metres of sleeping residents.
The 59-year-old male truck driver was trapped for a short time.
The 29-year-old female driver of the Landcruiser suffered minor injuries and was subjected to a roadside breath test which returned a positive result.
The residential property suffered major structural damage and the fence of the neighbouring property was crushed.
Acting Police Inspector Darren Williams said the collision occurred at 12.48am.
“A Toyota Landcruiser, driven by a 29-year-old Moree woman, has crashed into the side of a semi-trailer at the intersection of Albert and Edward Streets,” Insp Williams said.
“As a result of that collision, the driver of the truck has tried to avoid the collision and subsequently driven into a residential premises.
“He left the roadway and crashed into the premises near the corner of Edward Street and (the impact) has caused significant damage to that dwelling.
“The driver of the truck became trapped by confinement and had to be removed by Fire and Rescue and SES personnel who attended,” he said.
“The driver of the motor vehicle was breath-tested at the scene and was found to be over the legal limit to drive a motor vehicle.
“She was subsequently arrested and taken to Moree Hospital where a blood sample was taken. We are awaiting the results of those blood samples before action can be taken in relation to that drink-driving offence.
“The driver of the truck received minor injuries. There were occupants inside the house at the time, and they were unharmed.
“It’s very lucky no-one was seriously injured – it’s a miracle,” Insp Williams said.
“With the assistance of traffic and highway patrol personnel, the heavy vehicle was removed from the premises. At this stage, our investigations will wait for the blood samples to come back.”
Neighbour Norm Mackay said he woke up to a “big bang”.
“We came outside to a B-double and a truck through our fence and through the neighbour’s house, with people inside sleeping at the time,” Mr Mackay said.
“Incredibly, everyone is fine and no-one was seriously hurt.”
Moree Fire and Rescue officers and Moree Plains Shire Council workers attended the scene.
A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesperson said Moree officers used rescue equipment to free the driver, who was trapped by confinement with minor injuries.
“There was substantial structural damage to the house, but it’s really amazing there were no major injuries or deaths.”
Words and Images Bill Poulos
Wow! I hope they throw the book at the drunk driver!!!! There is no excuse for it!!!