Stephen Newton and brother Jeff Vesperman with the Holden Commodore that snapped a power pole as it came frighteningly close to crashing through their home.
Camera IconStephen Newton and brother Jeff Vesperman with the Holden Commodore that snapped a power pole as it came frighteningly close to crashing through their home. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Crash course in danger

Bryce Luff, Fremantle GazetteFremantle Gazette

Stephen Newton said he was fortunate not to be struck last Monday afternoon after a white Holden Commodore ended up just metres from his bedroom.

It’s believed the crash was caused when a 37-year-old woman driving a Mitsubishi Magna pulled out from Gerald Street into the path of the Commodore, sideswiping it and causing the other driver to career up an embankment, back down across Phoenix Road and into Mr Newton’s front yard.

The Commodore snapped a power pole, blunting the car’s momentum but causing power outages at Phoenix Shopping Centre.

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The woman was taken to Rockingham Hospital for a check-up. The male driver was unhurt.

‘I was just about to go out and check the mail, so it was crazy timing,’ Mr Newton said.

‘It could have easily gone down my driveway as well. I’m fully expecting a car to go through my door one of these days.’

Mr Newton said he would enquire with council about the possibility of bollards on his front yard and the median strip, which he says drivers cut across.

‘I hope they actually do something because this is absolute madness. This is the fourth crash in two years,’ he said.

Cockburn engineering director Michael Littleton said he would he would wait for police to finish their investigation before considering any safety measures.

‘The responsibility to police speed limits falls clearly within the power and jurisdiction of the WA Police,’ he said.

‘The City will wait until it receives the outcome of the incident investigation before taking any corrective actions around Mr Newton’s property.’