Shocking incident: Car crashes into a Coles store, leaving two hospitalised

It's harrowing to think that, while we're out and about doing our shopping, our safety could be jeopardised—especially if an incident like the one that recently happened in a Coles store occurs.


On Tuesday, September 19, around 12:30 p.m., a Toyota Corolla crashed through the front entrance of Coles on Fox Street in Ballina, New South Wales.

It went straight through the store and stopped just before hitting the supermarket's aisles.


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A Toyota Corolla crashed through a Coles store in Ballina, New South Wales. Credit: Ballina Information Exchange/Facebook


Not only was this shocking for customers to witness, but the incident proved dangerous for everyone inside the store.

According to the police, a woman in her 30s was allegedly struck by the car and had to be treated by paramedics at the scene of the accident before being taken to hospital for minor injuries.


The woman, presumed to be in her 70s, who was suspected to be driving the car at the time was also taken to hospital after suffering from shock and minor injuries.

Her male passenger was also unhurt in the incident. Thankfully, no other serious injuries were reported.

Pictures from the scene depict the destruction caused by the car; displays are trampled, gates knocked out of place, and a trail of broken items followed its path.

The photos garnered the interest of social media users, with one person writing, ‘Wow. Hope everyone involved is ok.’

‘Must’ve been at fairly high speed,’ another person shared.


‘That's in quite deep... mind-blowing,’ a third person stated.

A fourth user left a suggestion, saying: ‘Unfortunately, this was inevitable. Shopping Centres that allow cars to park nose in to forward the shops is an accident waiting to happen (now as we’ve seen). This type of parking is from the IGA along to Coles in Ballina. Please consider the shoppers' safety and put bollards or something similar in place, or don’t take those parks away.’

The store has since been closed until further notice.

A Coles spokesperson said following the incident: 'The safety of our customers and team members is always our highest priority. Our thoughts are with our customers who were involved in today’s events, and we are working closely with emergency services who are investigating the incident.’


‘We extend our appreciation to emergency services for their response and for ensuring our customers receive prompt medical attention and care. We are providing counselling and support to our team members who witnessed the incident,' they added.

Key Takeaways
  • Two people were rushed to hospital after a car crashed through the front of a Coles supermarket in Ballina, New South Wales.
  • The car allegedly struck a woman inside the supermarket, who was treated for minor injuries.
  • The elderly woman driving the vehicle was also hospitalised for shock and minor injuries.
  • Coles has announced the store will be temporarily closed and is providing counselling and support to their team members who witnessed the incident.

It goes without saying that these types of unexpected events are very disconcerting as it can be difficult to cope in the face of unexpected danger.

Our advice is that you stay alert and be aware of your surroundings while out shopping, and if there’s ever an emergency, we urge you to act quickly and follow the instructions of staff and authorities. Stay safe, members!

What do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
 
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It's harrowing to think that, while we're out and about doing our shopping, our safety could be jeopardised—especially if an incident like the one that recently happened in a Coles store occurs.


On Tuesday, September 19, around 12:30 p.m., a Toyota Corolla crashed through the front entrance of Coles on Fox Street in Ballina, New South Wales.

It went straight through the store and stopped just before hitting the supermarket's aisles.


View attachment 30340
A Toyota Corolla crashed through a Coles store in Ballina, New South Wales. Credit: Ballina Information Exchange/Facebook


Not only was this shocking for customers to witness, but the incident proved dangerous for everyone inside the store.

According to the police, a woman in her 30s was allegedly struck by the car and had to be treated by paramedics at the scene of the accident before being taken to hospital for minor injuries.


The woman, presumed to be in her 70s, who was suspected to be driving the car at the time was also taken to hospital after suffering from shock and minor injuries.

Her male passenger was also unhurt in the incident. Thankfully, no other serious injuries were reported.

Pictures from the scene depict the destruction caused by the car; displays are trampled, gates knocked out of place, and a trail of broken items followed its path.

The photos garnered the interest of social media users, with one person writing, ‘Wow. Hope everyone involved is ok.’

‘Must’ve been at fairly high speed,’ another person shared.


‘That's in quite deep... mind-blowing,’ a third person stated.

A fourth user left a suggestion, saying: ‘Unfortunately, this was inevitable. Shopping Centres that allow cars to park nose in to forward the shops is an accident waiting to happen (now as we’ve seen). This type of parking is from the IGA along to Coles in Ballina. Please consider the shoppers' safety and put bollards or something similar in place, or don’t take those parks away.’

The store has since been closed until further notice.

A Coles spokesperson said following the incident: 'The safety of our customers and team members is always our highest priority. Our thoughts are with our customers who were involved in today’s events, and we are working closely with emergency services who are investigating the incident.’


‘We extend our appreciation to emergency services for their response and for ensuring our customers receive prompt medical attention and care. We are providing counselling and support to our team members who witnessed the incident,' they added.

Key Takeaways

  • Two people were rushed to hospital after a car crashed through the front of a Coles supermarket in Ballina, New South Wales.
  • The car allegedly struck a woman inside the supermarket, who was treated for minor injuries.
  • The elderly woman driving the vehicle was also hospitalised for shock and minor injuries.
  • Coles has announced the store will be temporarily closed and is providing counselling and support to their team members who witnessed the incident.

It goes without saying that these types of unexpected events are very disconcerting as it can be difficult to cope in the face of unexpected danger.

Our advice is that you stay alert and be aware of your surroundings while out shopping, and if there’s ever an emergency, we urge you to act quickly and follow the instructions of staff and authorities. Stay safe, members!

What do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Could Coles please install "NOT DRIVE THROUGH SHOPPING" signs on their stores! Although that Ballina shop may now be a "drive through" supermarket.
 
It's harrowing to think that, while we're out and about doing our shopping, our safety could be jeopardised—especially if an incident like the one that recently happened in a Coles store occurs.


On Tuesday, September 19, around 12:30 p.m., a Toyota Corolla crashed through the front entrance of Coles on Fox Street in Ballina, New South Wales.

It went straight through the store and stopped just before hitting the supermarket's aisles.


View attachment 30340
A Toyota Corolla crashed through a Coles store in Ballina, New South Wales. Credit: Ballina Information Exchange/Facebook


Not only was this shocking for customers to witness, but the incident proved dangerous for everyone inside the store.

According to the police, a woman in her 30s was allegedly struck by the car and had to be treated by paramedics at the scene of the accident before being taken to hospital for minor injuries.


The woman, presumed to be in her 70s, who was suspected to be driving the car at the time was also taken to hospital after suffering from shock and minor injuries.

Her male passenger was also unhurt in the incident. Thankfully, no other serious injuries were reported.

Pictures from the scene depict the destruction caused by the car; displays are trampled, gates knocked out of place, and a trail of broken items followed its path.

The photos garnered the interest of social media users, with one person writing, ‘Wow. Hope everyone involved is ok.’

‘Must’ve been at fairly high speed,’ another person shared.


‘That's in quite deep... mind-blowing,’ a third person stated.

A fourth user left a suggestion, saying: ‘Unfortunately, this was inevitable. Shopping Centres that allow cars to park nose in to forward the shops is an accident waiting to happen (now as we’ve seen). This type of parking is from the IGA along to Coles in Ballina. Please consider the shoppers' safety and put bollards or something similar in place, or don’t take those parks away.’

The store has since been closed until further notice.

A Coles spokesperson said following the incident: 'The safety of our customers and team members is always our highest priority. Our thoughts are with our customers who were involved in today’s events, and we are working closely with emergency services who are investigating the incident.’


‘We extend our appreciation to emergency services for their response and for ensuring our customers receive prompt medical attention and care. We are providing counselling and support to our team members who witnessed the incident,' they added.

Key Takeaways

  • Two people were rushed to hospital after a car crashed through the front of a Coles supermarket in Ballina, New South Wales.
  • The car allegedly struck a woman inside the supermarket, who was treated for minor injuries.
  • The elderly woman driving the vehicle was also hospitalised for shock and minor injuries.
  • Coles has announced the store will be temporarily closed and is providing counselling and support to their team members who witnessed the incident.

It goes without saying that these types of unexpected events are very disconcerting as it can be difficult to cope in the face of unexpected danger.

Our advice is that you stay alert and be aware of your surroundings while out shopping, and if there’s ever an emergency, we urge you to act quickly and follow the instructions of staff and authorities. Stay safe, members!

What do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
 
Wow! Was it a medical incident that proceeded this accident? Before jumping to conclusions which many do..this was an accident NOT a deliberate attempt to harm...an accident can happen to any one ..anywhere!
 
So many times you see this, people putting their car into drive, instead of reverse or putting their foot on the wrong peddle.
Remember the "pandemic" of elderly drivers running into cafes and shops a few years ago? How could someone not know that they were in drive or reverse or mistakenly hit the accelerator is beyond me.
 

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