By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
SCREAMING was the first thing heard after a car crashed into a Berwick bakery on Sunday.
Onlookers told the News they heard a screech and an enormous bang followed by screaming after a car reversed more than 20 metres across a shopping strip car park straight through the window of Bemersyde Bakehouse.
Three people were hurt in the crash.
A 38-year-old Berwick woman sitting in the front passenger seat was taken to hospital with a minor laceration to her head while, a 43-year-old Berwick woman sitting in the rear passenger seat was taken to hospital with back soreness.
A bakery employee was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg after she was hit by a moving cabinet in the crash.
The driver of the car, a Narre Warren woman, 44, escaped uninjured.
According to witnesses, the vehicle mounted the curb and crashed through the shop’s front window, pushing tables and food cabinets up against the back fridge.
Jose Li, chef at neighbouring Ambrosia Café, said he was petrified when they heard the crash just before 11.30am.
“I was inside and heard a massive bang and we rushed out and the car was right in there,” he said.
“It was like halfway in (the store).”
Police are investigating whether the crash was caused by driver error or a mechanical fault.
Sergeant David Hewatt said witnesses heard loud revving moments before the crash.
“The car was basically parked opposite the shops, about 20 to 25 metres away from the bakery.
“It’s gone across the car park at a fair pace but we don’t know as yet if the driver accidentally accelerated and panicked or whether it was a mechanical fault,” he said.
“We need to look at the car and check if a cable has snapped.”
Michael, a Berwick resident who eats at Bemersyde Bakery once a week, said it was lucky the accident didn’t happen during the week when the shopping area was often full of children from nearby Brentwood Park Primary School.
“It’s unfortunate that something like this happened, but we’re just grateful it didn’t happen in school hours,” he said.
“A window can be replaced, children can’t.”
Sgt Hewatt said the accident was a warning to be safe when driving and to have regular vehicle checks.
“In areas like that where there is a high concentration of pedestrians, people need to take care when driving and get their cars serviced regularly,” he said.
“If it was a mechanical fault, these things can be checked and prevented through a service.”
SES and CFA volunteers helped police and ambulance officers at the scene.
The bakery is expected to be closed for at least a fortnight.
