A freak accident has left residents of The Vales, a home for the elderly in Pennington in shock, after a truck ploughed into the building recently.

According to staff member Val Ball, a medical waste services truck was exiting the property, the driver accidentally drove back onto the premises and crashed through a wall, damaging a huge section of the building at the entrance. Fortunately, the elderly folk and staff were not in that section of the building.

“Everyone was at breakfast at the time and residents were in the dining room when we heard a loud noise, and the house literally shook,” said Ball.

“We gathered everyone and went to see what happened and were left speechless. We saw a massive hole in the wall and the badly damaged vehicle.”

Ball mentioned that the driver and his assistant were traumatised, but are now reportedly doing better.

Police, members of the medical waste services company, builders, insurance companies and more have since visited the premises, but no one can understand exactly how the accident happened.

“It was a freak accident that truly freaked everyone out,” added Ball.

The staff of The Vales thanks everyone who assisted them. “Every single person that was here, whether they were helping us or taking statements and making reports, showed great service and compassion, and for this we are grateful.”

It is unknown how long it will take to rebuild the damaged section of the building, but staff estimate six to eight weeks.

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