Car smashes through restaurant window in Auckland CBD

Name: Car ploughs through busy Auckland restaurant
Uploaded: 2015-04-22T23:01:48+12:00
Duration: 36 s
Description: A car has smashed through a glass window into a busy central Auckland restaurant tonight. Police were called to the scene at 8.50pm, to find the Holden commodore inside Paradise Garden restaurant on Vogel Lane, near the Skytower. A police spokesman said there were about 15 people in the restaurant at the time, but neither customers, nor the car's male driver were injured.

By Lauren Priestley

NZ Herald·

23 Apr, 2015 12:13 AM2 mins to read

A car has smashed through a glass window into a busy central Auckland restaurant tonight. Police were called to the scene at 8.50pm, to find the Holden commodore inside Paradise Garden restaurant on Vogel Lane, near the Skytower. A police spokesman said there were about 15 people in the restaurant at the time, but neither customers, nor the car's male driver were injured.

The owner of a busy central Auckland restaurant is unsure when he can reopen after a car smashed through the front window last night.

The incident happened just before 9pm at the Paradise Garden restaurant on Vogel Lane where 15 people were enjoying a late dinner.

Fire services at the scene of the crash. Photo / Bradley Ambrose

Restaurant owner Steven Chae said the driver told him he was an "overseas traveller" and had been trying to park the Holden Commodore when he had put his foot on the accelerator instead of the brake.

Mr Chae met with his landlord this morning to discuss the repair costs and when he can have his business up and running again.

He had already received emails from regular customers about how soon they could come in, Mr Chae said.

"I would like to know when I can open my business. How long will it be closed? I have regular customers from Korea and tourists want to come here so I've already lost business."

Mr Chae said he was thankful nobody was injured.

His insurance company would cover his loss of income during the time his restaurant is closed and his landlord's insurance should foot the bill for repairs, he said.

It could take up to a month to repair the damage, he said.