Man Backs Into Tree Then Crashes Car Into His House (Age Unknown)

[matcom]

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DANVILLE — Neighbors in the 1600 block of North Walnut had a rude awakening this morning when a vehicle crashed into the driver’s own house. Initial reports to police indicated there might have been an explosion, but that proved not to be the case.

The driver, Charles Cratz of 1650 N. Walnut, was taken to Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, where he was under observation in the emergency room.

Kristy Conner, a neighbor, called 911 after she saw the Chevrolet Trailblazer travel “full speed ahead into the house” about 8 a.m. today.

Police Officer Patrick Bostwick speculated that Cratz was backing out of his driveway and hit a tree across the street. Cratz then may have stepped on the accelerator instead the brakes, Bostwick said.

The vehicle traveled across Cratz’s lawn and hit the brick house.

It ran into the bedroom’s picture window, leaving a hole about 10-12 feet wide. His wife, June, was elsewhere in the house at the time.

Emergency workers removed Cratz from the vehicle.

The Danville Fire Department was called, but there was no gas leak.

Neighbors were unsure of Cratz’s age, but neighbor Don Longer said Cratz has had two hip replacements in the past.

“I can’t believe this happened,” Conner said. “I feel really bad because they’re such nice people.”

Conner was getting her son ready for school when she heard tires squealing went to her window and then saw the vehicle hit the house.

http://www.commercial-news.com/local/local_story_318113444.html