Car crashes into Albany house: Alleged driver to appear in North Shore District Court

A man is set to appear in court on driving charges after a car crashed into a house and was suspended three metres above the ground in the Auckland suburb of Albany.

A police spokesperson said they were notified at 7.50pm after a car crashed into a house on Fairview Ave.

Waitematā Acting Road Policing Manager Warwick Stainton said police found the vehicle suspended over a three-metre drop between a house and a retaining wall.

“The male was stuck in the vehicle for some time as Fire and Emergency (FENZ) had to secure the vehicle before we could get him out safely,” Stainton said.

“Luckily for him, he was uninjured, however extensive damage was caused to the property.”

The house owner, Ross Cranston, said he was having a quiet Sunday evening at home with his two daughters when they heard a massive bang and felt the house shake.

“I told him he can’t park there but he won’t move,” Cranston said.

He said his daughter was in her room when the car crashed “basically above her head” before she yelled out.

“We ran out here and found this dude sitting in here.

A driver had to be rescued after his car crashed into a house on Auckland's Fairview Ave. Photo / Hayden Woodward

“[It was] definitely a bit of a shock. We’ve had quite a few accidents out here over the years... I just figured it was another one of those but didn’t expect the car to actually be in the house.”

Cranston said all damage to the house seemed to be external.

He added that police told him the person who crashed had been drinking.

“I’ve got very little sympathy for the guy.”

A Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) spokesperson said one fire truck, two Specialist Rescue Tenders (SRT), one high-angle rescue appliance and one ladder truck were in attendance.

Stainton said if anyone doubted whether they were safe or legal to drive, they should not get behind the wheel of a car.

“People who drive while impaired by alcohol are putting themselves at risk, as well as everyone else on the road,” he said.

“This incident has caused massive damage to someone’s family home which could have been avoided if someone had called a taxi.

“Plan ahead if you’re going to be drinking and make sure you have arranged a safe way to get home - whether that is organising a sober driver, getting picked up, or catching a taxi or ride share.”

A 44-year-old man will appear in North Shore District Court on Thursday charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and dangerous driving.