Appeal launched as families left homeless after van ploughs into homes |
Investigations are continuing after five homes and a car were significantly damaged when a black Renault van smashed into the homes on High Street in Kessingland, near Lowestoft.
The black Renault van embedded in the homes on Kessingland High Street. Image: Sonia (Image: Sonia)
The van demolished brick walls, collapsed a wooden porch, uprooted a lamppost, and sent debris flying as it became embedded in the front of the homes on the corner junction of Field Lane and High Street
Two families were left homeless after being evacuated from their severely damaged properties following a gas leak.
The aftermath of the crash on Kessingland High Street. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
And now, an appeal has been launched for one of the affected families.
This week a GoFundMe page was set up by Cheryl Catchpole to raise money for her son, his partner Shona Smith and their family.
After being forced out of their home they are now searching for somewhere new to live.
Entitled 'My son and his family' it was launched on Monday and within two days it has raised £1,260, with 37 donations pledged.
It said: "I'm setting up a GoFundMe page for my son and his family who of no fault of their own is now homeless due to a suspected drunk/drug driver driving into their home.
"The whole situation is heartbreaking and we need to raise money for a deposit for a new home for them to move into."
The drama unfolded at about 11.30pm on March 11 on Kessingland High Street as the van struck a gas service pipe and the gas meter to a property.
The damaged homes in Kessingland this week. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
The vehicle went through the front window of one home, and such was the velocity of the crash that a 17-year-old boy sleeping downstairs suffered shock and injuries as his "bed shook" with the impact as debris hit him in the face and head.
The teenage boy - among a family of five who were left homeless after the crash - was taken to the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston after suffering minor injuries.
The damaged homes in Kessingland this week. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
A lamppost was sent spiralling through the air, going over the top of a Renault car parked in the driveway of the second set of homes - which had a window smashed and major damage caused to the roof of the vehicle - before ending up in the frontage of the fifth home.
The van driver fled the scene before being arrested by police.
The damaged homes in Kessingland this week. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs and failing to stop or report a crash.
He has been bailed to return to police on May 7, as"enquiries continue.
The damaged homes in Kessingland this week. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
Witnesses to the crash or anyone with information should call police quoting CAD 386 of March 11 on 101.