CAR HITS HOUSE

Phyllis McIlduff's home was shaken after a car hit the Mark Street property at around 10pm.

The house was left with severe structural damage which has forced the pensioner to move out of her home of nearly eight years.

Phyllis said: "I was sitting watching the television when there was an unmerciful bang, I thought the set had exploded."

The car ploughed into the corner of the house, uprooting an electrical box and causing a power cut to homes in the area.

Witnesses said sparks were flying from the live wires and the occupants of the car frantically dragged the driver out for fear of an explosion.

Phyllis went on: "Had the car hit the side of the wall instead of the corner it would have come straight into the living room and probably killed me - I'm just lucky to be alive.

"But now I have to move out, while repairs are carried out - who knows how long that will be.

"You get your house just the way you like it and then this happens - it's frustrating."

Ken McCracken, NIE customer relations manager said: "The car involved in Sunday night’s road traffic accident damaged important electrical equipment on Sloan Street and left 169 customers in the area without electricity.

"NIE was advised of this incident just after 10pm and emergency repair teams were immediately dispatched to make the situation safe and begin repairs.”

“Teams worked throughout the night to restore all power supplies by 7am on Monday morning.”

Police in Lurgan are appealing for witnesses following the incident. A red Honda car collided with the gable wall of a house at the junction of Mark Street and Sloan Street.

Two men were taken to hospital as a result of the collision. One of the men suffered a suspected broken arm; the other is believed to have internal injuries.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them at Lurgan on 0845 600 8000 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.