A Gerringong business has been left with significant damage after a four-wheel-drive allegedly crashed into its frontage while the driver was intoxicated.
Four-wheel-drive slams into shopfront
The incident occurred on Saturday, December 20, around 4:45pm on Fern Street, near the intersection with Belinda Street. Emergency services were called to the scene after a black Toyota LandCruiser reportedly slammed into the front of the Gerringong Jiu Jitsu Academy.
The force of the impact shattered the martial arts centre's large glass windows and doors and damaged a brick column near the entrance. The vehicle's bonnet was left covered in debris from the collision.
Driver charged after positive breath test
The 50-year-old female driver was assessed by paramedics at the scene and was found to be uninjured. However, a roadside breath test allegedly returned a positive reading.
Police subsequently arrested the woman and took her to Kiama Police Station for further testing. A secondary breath analysis allegedly returned a reading of 0.109, which is more than double the legal limit in New South Wales.
The woman was charged with mid-range drink driving and granted conditional bail. She is scheduled to appear before Kiama Local Court on February 2.
Community responds to significant damage
NSW Fire and Rescue officers attended the scene and assessed the building, confirming it had sustained significant structural damage.
In a social media post following the incident, the Gerringong Jiu Jitsu Academy expressed relief that no one was hurt. "Thankfully, no one was injured, which is the main thing," the statement read.
The academy also praised the rapid response of local emergency services. "A huge thank you to the local firefighters and SES for securing the site quickly and helping us make it safe. We're incredibly grateful for their work and support," the post continued.
The business owners confirmed they are now working through repairs and hope to reopen as soon as possible to continue serving their members and the local community.
