THE busy lunchtime shopping period at a local supermarket became chaotic when a car was rammed through the front windows of the store.
Bystanders were shocked as they saw a white Corolla rammed through the window of Ryan’s IGA in Sturt Street at around 1.30pm. Police say the accident was the result of a collision.
Ballarat Police Acting Sergeant Neville Leishman said police believe a 75-year-old man was backing a grey Mitsubishi car out of a car space when he reversed into a stationary white Corolla.
Excessive force caused the Corolla, which was occupied with a driver and two passengers, to plough through the window of the supermarket, Acting Sergeant Leishman said.
A female shopper who was standing near the windows sustained lacerations to her leg when a piece of wood hit her. She was taken by paramedics to Ballarat Base Hospital.
“The man has panicked and hit the accelerator,” Acting Sergeant Leishman said
“The (Mitsubishi) has hit two (unoccupied) parked cars before mounting the kerb where it has come to rest.”
The MItsubishi, which had front and side damage, remained mounted on the footpath while police spoke to witnesses and investigated.
The 75-year-old man and his elderly female passenger were treated by paramedics.
The passengers of the white Corolla were also treated. No serious injuries were sustained.
A number of firefighters were on scene to determine if any structural damage had occurred.
Aside from broken glass, the building remained structurally sound.
Police blocked of the Pleasant Street and Sturt Street intersection and were re-directing traffic for a significant period.
The supermarket was not evacuated at the time of the incident however there was a frenzy of activity with many bystanders gathering to determine what had happened.
An ambulance Victoria spokeswoman confirmed that paramedics were assessing four people while one had been transferred to hospital by early afternoon.
“They are in a stable condition and there are no serious injuries,” she said.
Many of the people involved were treated for shock.
The supermarket store manager confirmed that opening hours of the store would not be impacted by the incident.
Acting Sergeant Leishman said police from Ballarat Highway Patrol were still investigating the incident and its exact cause.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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