Rolleston woman pulled from wreckage in bed, after car crashes into house

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Mar 15, 2025 |
Photo: Supplied to chrislynchmedia.com
Photo: Supplied to chrislynchmedia.com

A Rolleston family narrowly avoided serious injury after a vehicle plowed into their home early Saturday morning.

A police spokeswoman told chrislynchmedia.com emergency services were notified at 3:43 am about a car crashing into a house on Shillingford Boulevard.

A neighbour, who shared photos with chrislynchmedia.com, described the chaotic scene, saying the car landed on top of a woman who had been in bed at the time.

“Her husband pulled her out. Two children were quite shaken by the crash,” the neighbour said.

Photo: Supplied to chrislynchmedia.com

Photo: Supplied to chrislynchmedia.com

Fire and Emergency Shift Manager Lynn Crosson said firefighters from Rolleston and Lincoln stations responded to the crash, providing assistance with patient care before leaving the scene with police approximately 30 minutes later.

According to the witness, the car smashed through a fence, crashed through the house wall, and landed sideways over the woman’s bed.

“Another neighbour shone his phone torch into the car and helped get the driver out, but the driver just asked, ‘What happened?’ He said he thought he saw a cat on the road.”

The woman, unaware that her husband had dragged her from beneath the wreckage, was left with a suspected broken hand the neighbour said. 

Emergency services responded with two fire engines, two police vehicles, and an ambulance arriving at the scene.

Neighbours stepped back once crews arrived to allow them space to work the witness said.

Photo: Supplied to chrislynchmedia.com

Photo: Supplied to chrislynchmedia.com

The witness said the man from the house provided blankets and towels for the driver, who was able to walk away with only a cut to his knee.

“He sat on the lawn, and the homeowners were incredibly kind to him—even though he’d just half-demolished their house.”

“There’s a 50 metre skid mark across the reserve before he hits the fence.”

The witness said the houses in the area are only a couple of years old.

A St John spokesman said they sent two ambulances and a manager to the scene.

“Our crews assessed and treated one patient, who was transported to Christchurch Hospital in a moderate condition.”

 

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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