Mt Eden store owner ‘devastated’ after car crashes through doors, catches alight

A car crashed into a property in Mt Eden, causing it and the building to catch fire this morning. Photo / Jason Oxenham

An owner of a Mt Eden cosmetic laser clinic says she has been “speechless” after someone crashed into her store early this morning, causing a fire that has destroyed her business.

A resident from the flat above the store says she awoke to “shouting” and saw flames bursting from the car.

The owner of Infinity Clinic, who wished to stay anonymous, said this was the fourth time this year her business had been targeted for the expensive equipment used.

She said she got the “devastating call” at around 5.30 this morning and arrived to see a “black hole” where her store once stood.

A Fire and Emergency (Fenz) spokesperson said they were called to a fire in Esplanade Rd, Mt Eden, at 5.20am after a car crashed into the building and sparked a fire.

The store owner said this year alone, she had people break through windows and steal “thousands of dollars” of equipment, as well as causing costly damage.

“They smashed all our screens with a screwdriver,” she said.

“I can’t believe that there are people like this... these kinds of people who would do this to another human being.

“We are all just trying to make a living and then when this economy is already hard enough.”

She said she was unsure how much this damage would cost her or if she would ever be able to open her business again.

Police said multiple people had to be evacuated after a car crashed into a building. Photo / Jason Oxenham

A resident of the flat above the store who did wish to be named said she was woken up by the fire alarms and shouting.

She said when she opened the door after coming down the stairs, she saw a flame burst from the car.

“We are three people and thank god my flatmate was a little slow.

“If I had been a little bit earlier, it would have been much different.”

She said everyone was still in their pyjamas when they had to evacuate.

She said there hadn’t been any damage to the flat but the smell still lingered.

“I cannot believe how the day can go. Within seconds it could have been different. I’m just happy.”

An investigation into the crash and fire is under way. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Neighbouring business owner Oleh Lesiv formally signed the lease on the neighbouring space yesterday.

“This morning, I was at work, and my partner called me panicking saying ‘someone has driven a car into our shop!’,” he said.

“I thought ‘oh my God, I’ve just spent $50,000 on a shop and we are moving in two weeks’.”

Lesiv planned to upgrade his insurance and had been advised to install bollards in front of the shop.

Building owner Kamlesh Patel found out what happened when the fire alarm panel triggered this morning.

He said Infinity Clinic has been there for around six years. Patel said the two stores were targeted on Christmas Eve.

A vehicle has collided with a building on Esplanade Rd, which has then ignited a small fire in the building. Photo / Jason Oxenham

”The staff members are a bit disappointed. They’re over it.

”Not only businesses like this are being targeted, but places like restaurants. What are you achieving from it?

”It’s a medical and beauty store. What are you going to take from it?”

A police spokesperson said the car crash ignited a fire inside the building.

The spokesperson said a “number of occupants” had to be evacuated from the building.

“An investigation is now under way to determine exactly what has occurred, including who was involved.”

The Fenz spokesperson said at the height of the blaze, eight fire trucks were involved after it climbed to a second alarm level fire.

Everyone inside the vehicle and building has been accounted for. The fire has since been extinguished and only a support vehicle remains on the scene.

A fire investigator is expected at the site later today.

Investigations into the crash in Mt Eden are now under way. Photo / Jason Oxenham

A worker from a neighbouring store said “two or three” families lived above the shop and they had been evacuated during the fire.

He called the crime “senseless” and was unsure what could have been targeted.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they were stood down en route.

The police spokesperson asked anyone with footage or information on the incident to contact police via 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report, referencing job number P059357910.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.