250 residents forced to flee apartment after car crashes into building

There were chaotic scenes in Sydney’s southwest as residents were forced to flee their homes in the middle of the night.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from a unit complex in western Sydney early this morning after a car fire. Picture: 9NEWS

More than 250 people were forced to flee an apartment building in the middle of the night after a car crashed into the complex before bursting into flames.

Emergency crews were called to the building on Gladstone Street in Merrylands shortly before 3am on Thursday after reports of a fire.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from a unit complex in western Sydney early this morning after a car fire. Picture: 9NEWS

.The blaze erupted next to the complex on Gladstone Street, Merrylands. Picture: 9NEWS

A stolen Toyota Rav4 had crashed into the lobby of the building and erupted in flames.

Residents were evacuated from the building as a precaution.

Footage from the scene shows flames leaping from the building as residents fled the building in the dark.

The fire has since been extinguished and residents have been able to return home.

There were no reports of injuries.

The driver and potential passenger remain at large.

The fire is being treated as suspicious.

Anybody with information is urged to contact police on 1800 333 000 or online.

Originally published as 250 residents forced to flee apartment after car crashes into building