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The driver of a bus that veered off the road and hit three parked cars before ploughing into a shop will return to work today to be questioned by his bosses.

NZ Bus (formerly Stagecoach) said it would investigate the cause of yesterday morning's crash.

The bus, which was returning to the depot and did not have any passengers on board, drove into the Hartings wool and sheepskin shop in Quay St about 8.30am.

Shop owner Chris Hay said that aside from the broken window there was not much damage. The accident happened before staff arrived.

"I don't know under what circumstances the driver managed to navigate across the footpath, through three cars and into our window."

NZ Bus chief executive Bruce Emson said the driver was not injured but suffered from shock.

"Obviously the bus lost control. We don't know why. The driver has given us a sort of a version. But given that the driver is in a bit of shock we haven't really done a full investigation yet."

Mr Emson said the driver would return to work today, but would not necessarily resume driving duties immediately. The bus was not badly damaged.

"It's relatively unscathed. Obviously some panel damage which will get repaired, but not too bad at all. In fact, we are very lucky, " Mr Emson said

The police would also investigate the crash.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man was lucky to escape injury yesterday when he lost control of his car and drove into the side of a house in Wellington.

The accident in Karori happened about 3.40am as the driver turned on to a side street from the main road, but failed to take the corner and ended up crashing into the house.

While the vehicle was badly damaged, neither the driver nor the sole occupant of the house was injured.

A passenger in the car was treated for minor injuries.

Sergeant Bruce McKay said charges were likely.

* Additional reporting - NZPA