Burnley man's miraculous escape after car ploughs into his home
Tony Ross had popped to his next door neighbour's house to ask for help with hanging the curtains when the accident happened.
Just minutes earlier Tony could have been sat in the living room where the car ploughed into the property.
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Hide AdA relieved Tony (59) said today: "I had gone to my neighbour's with the curtains as I didn't have the patience to sort them out.
"That probably saved my life because while I was there I heard this almighty bang.
"We ran outside to see what had happened and I realised the car had crashed into the side of my house.
"I couldn't take it in at first. There were people running everywhere and shouting and then I saw lots of police cars, it was mayhem."
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Hide AdThe vehicle ploughed through hedging and fencing surrounding Tony's end terraced house before demolishing patio doors leading to the lounge.
All the furniture, including a three piece suite and dining table and chairs were destroyed, along with a vintage 1950s brick fireplace.
Luckily, Tony's tank of around 30 tropical fish were saved from the impact of the crash by a vestibule door that flew off in the impact of the crash.
Tony said: "The door came off and came to rest in front of the tank so I think that saved them."
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Hide AdTony, a maintenance worker and keen gardener, has lived in the property for eight years.
He was today salvaging plants, trees and flowers he grows in his eco garden on land at the side of the house.
He said: "Luckily nothing was too badly damaged. I have apple and plum trees here and wildflowers and they are all thriving."
Tony, who also grows date trees from the seeds of the fruit, said he would like to thank people in the community who had come forward with offers of help.
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Hide AdHe said: "People have been so kind, coming round asking if I need anything and I am so grateful and would like to say thank you to everyone.
"Even people walking past have been asking if I am ok or need anything.
"I have to accept this has happened and it will be repaired and put right again."
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Hide AdThe taxi driver had to be cut free by fire crews and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital, but has since been discharged.
A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue said: "Two fire engines from Blackburn and Nelson were called to a road traffic collision involving two vehicles on Accrington Road, Burnley.
"Firefighters used cutting equipment to release one person from one of the vehicles involved."
The road between Griffin and Florence Street was closed by police from around 9-45pm.
The police spokesman added: "Fortunately. no one was seriously injured.
"One man has been arrested."