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Police say evidence suggests a man who crashed a car into a house in Taupo early today was driving at least 150km/h at the time - in a 50km/h zone.
The crash demolished one corner of the house and narrowly missed a sleeping baby.
Police said the family, who live on the intersection of Richmond Avenue and State Highway 1, got a rude awakening when the Subaru WRX smashed into their house at about 3.20am.
Senior Constable Peter Sowter said the car skidded about 24m through the intersection, over a kerb and on to grass where it became airborne for more than 13m before hitting a tree.
"The car then flew another 10m or so smashing into a fence and finally hitting a corner of the house."
Mr Sowter said a baby was asleep in the corner room which the car hit and was fortunate to escape without being hurt.
He said the parents rushed into the room and found the baby unharmed, along with the driver, who was apologetic.
A 22-year-old local man faces driving charges over the incident and police are also awaiting the results of a blood-alcohol test.
Mr Sowter said preliminary calculations on the speed of the car showed it must have been travelling in excess of 150km.
"It is extremely fortunate that no serious injuries resulted from this crash, which unfortunately appears to be a direct result of the combination of speed and alcohol," he said.
- NZPA
