Car Crashes into Campsie Hair Salon, Igniting Major Fire and Emergency Response
A dramatic incident unfolded in Sydney's south-west on Tuesday afternoon when a car crashed into a shopfront, sparking a fire and triggering a major emergency response. Emergency services were called to a commercial strip on Beamish Street in Campsie at approximately 2:06 pm, following reports that a vehicle had ploughed into the front of a hairdresser.
Details of the Crash and Fire
The vehicle, which had come from Clissold Parade, was reportedly stationary beforehand, but it suddenly accelerated into the premises for reasons that remain unclear. Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed that there was no indication the car was on fire before it entered the building; however, the blaze began once the vehicle was inside the shop.
Acting Superintendent Andrew Bickle from Fire and Rescue NSW stated, "Approximately six minutes past two this afternoon we received triple-0 calls a car had collided with the front of a commercial premises being a shop. After this had occurred, a fire had started in the shop."
Emergency Response and Evacuations
A significant emergency response unfolded as crews worked to extinguish the fire. About 30 firefighters and nine fire trucks, including three rescue vehicles, rushed to the scene. Crews wearing breathing apparatus and protective gear moved quickly to bring the blaze under control.
Bickle added, "They did quickly gain fire control, then entered the shop to complete the extinguishment of the fire." People were evacuated from neighbouring premises on either side of the impacted store, as well as a solicitor from above the shop, ensuring safety during the chaotic event.
Injuries and Aftermath
The driver, a 30-year-old man, managed to get himself out of the vehicle before being treated at the scene and taken to hospital for further care. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported. Inspector Ryan Shannon remarked, "It's very fortunate because we are here in the main street in Campsie. It's very busy. Currently the road is still blocked. It's a pretty amazing story that nobody else was injured because the car did enter at some speed."
Fire crews have since extinguished the blaze and confirmed all people have been accounted for. The burned-out car was later towed from the scene. Police have taken over the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, which remains under scrutiny.
