Woodside shop owner says alcohol-fuelled crash was a blow to his business
An Adelaide Hills business owner says his shop has been left looking like “World War III” after a man – allegedly driving at three times the legal limit – crashed into the store last night.
Adelaide Hills
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The co-owner of a Woodside business severely damaged during an alleged drink diving incident on Monday night says his shop has been left looking like “World War III”.
Tony Schwerdt who said the historic shopfront of Mindfulness and Magic – Wildwood Art and Crafts at 75 Onkaparinga Road had been left in pieces and would take time to repair.
Mr Schwerdt, who addressed media outside the store on Tuesday morning, said he heard the loud “bang” from his home next door just before 8.30pm.
“I initially thought it was two cars so I came out to the shop to have a look,” Mr Schwerdt said.
“That’s when I realised that I couldn’t see across the road because of the veranda, which had fallen down and by the time everything had fallen down, it looked like World War III.
“It was devastating to see and we’re still in shock as we only had a new roof put on a few years ago.
“But at least it’s insured and no one was injured as I was told there was a young bloke on his bike riding under the veranda just seconds before the crash.”
Police and emergency services were called to the site at about 8.24pm on September 7, after reports that a blue Holden Commodore sedan had done a burnout, lost control and crashed into the business, before driving off.
The driver, a 37-year-old Woodside man, was arrested and breath tested outside the local police station on Nairne Road a short time later.
He allegedly returned a blood-alcohol level of 0.155 – more than three times over the legal limit of 0.05.
Mr Schwerdt said he worried alcohol-fuelled incidents could become more regular along the town’s busy main road.
He said he had noticed a big upswing in traffic since they took over the shop six years ago.
“This road isn’t like it was six years ago as there’s more truck movement,” Mr Schwerdt said.
“When you combine that with car traffic during peak hour – it’s concerning and needs to be addressed.
“As far as the incident goes, I think there’s a good message here: don’t drink and drive as the impact is far reaching.”
The driver was charged with driving under the influence, drink driving, aggravated driving without due care and property damage.
His driver’s licence has been disqualified for 12 months and his car has been impounded for 28 days.
He has been bailed to appear in the Mt Barker Magistrates Court at a later date.