An elderly Kaitaia couple were not home when an out-of-control car smashed into their bedroom on Sunday morning, to the relief of police and emergency services.
The car, driven by a neighbour from within the same, small housing complex in Puckey Avenue, demolished a low picket fence and a tree. It then crashed into the bedroom, with sufficient force to propel contents, including the bed, across the room, smashing the interior wall and scattering debris throughout the living room.
According to police, the 77-year-old driver, who had suffered serious health issues over recent times, had somehow been unable to get his foot off the accelerator and onto the brake.
Another neighbour says she heard the car's engine screaming before the impact.
The driver, who was examined by a St John crew, did not appear to be hurt.
