Car ploughs into Hayling showroom

The driver of the Ford Fiesta had just filled up with petrol on the garage forecourt of Daron Ford on Hayling Island when she accidently accelerated, crashing through the large windows.

Everyone inside managed to jump clear of the car.

Manager Anthony Hobbs said the damage will run into ‘several thousand pounds’.

There is a temporary board up at the moment.

Mr Hobbs added: ‘A lady got in her car on the forecourt and somehow managed to get something tangled up in the throttle.

‘She set off across the forecourt and sped straight through the showroom window.

‘It was obviously a shock when it happened but everybody is fine.

‘The driver was in shock but did not have any other injuries.

‘We’re planning to speak to her in the next few days.’

Firefighters had to cut the driver from the vehicle in order for paramedics to treat her.

She was looked over and treated at the scene for shock and did not need to go to hospital.

The accident happened at 3.30pm on Monday.

James McCarraher, the owner of Hayling Book and Music Venue, which is opposite the garage, heard the crash.

He said: ‘I was in the shop at the time, when I heard a crash and a shattering of glass.

‘I went outside to have a look but initially I couldn’t see anything.

‘Occasionally we have prangs as vehicles turn the corner.

‘But then I spotted the car. It was embedded in the show room window.

‘I feared the worst at first because it looked serious but she was okay.

‘One of the chaps told me it was miraculous how she missed the petrol pump.

‘I’m very relieved that the driver was okay.’