Van Crashes into House in Blackburn, Injuring Two
A serious incident occurred in Blackburn on Thursday morning, when a van ploughed into the front of a house on Audley Range, injuring two people. The crash happened at the junction with North Road, and emergency services were quickly called to the scene.
According to witnesses, one of the injured individuals was an occupant of the home, who was in the front room of the house when the incident happened. Fortunately, the other members of the family who were living in the rented accommodation escaped without injuries. The van, which had extensive damage to the front, was later removed from the building with the help of a recovery vehicle.
The incident prompted a significant response from emergency services, including Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, who cordoned off the area and spent an hour assessing the crash before attempting to remove the van from the building. Fire teams also entered adjoining properties to check for damage. As Yahoo News UK reported, Audley Range remained closed for much of the afternoon, while North Road was reopened after a few hours.
Neighbours and residents rushed to the scene following the crash, which left a huge gaping hole in the front of the building. A resident who lives close by described being shocked at the damage caused, saying: "We heard a loud bang. It made a loud noise as it crashed. Thankfully nobody has been seriously injured as far as I know." Another resident reported hearing a loud bang and thinking nothing of it, before coming out to find police at the scene.
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed that a man in his thirties was injured and treated at hospital. A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 11:09am on Thursday 24 April 2025, a fire engine from Blackburn, supported by the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, responded to a road traffic collision involving a single vehicle and a terraced property. Firefighters and USAR specialists used a winch to safely remove the vehicle from the building. Structural support was provided to the affected property to ensure it remained safe."
The incident is currently under investigation, with Lancashire Police appealing for anyone with information or footage to come forward. A spokesperson for the force said: "We received a report of a vehicle colliding with a property on Audley Range, Blackburn, shortly after 11am. Two men suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital. Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact 101 quoting log 0482 of April 24." Blackburn with Darwen Council also attended the scene, with highways teams assisting with closing the road.
The cause of the incident is still unclear, but it is understood that the van was being driven on Audley Range when it crashed into the house. As Yahoo News UK reported, the incident has raised concerns about road safety in the area, with one resident noting that a similar incident had occurred on the same stretch of road some years ago. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected to be provided as more information becomes available.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Blackburn with Darwen Council said that highways teams had attended to assist with closing the road, and that building inspectors had been notified to assess the damage to the property. The council is working to ensure that the area is safe and that any necessary repairs are carried out.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be vigilant and cautious when driving. The community is shaken by the incident, but is relieved that the injuries sustained were minor. As more information becomes available, this article will be updated to provide further details on the incident.
For those who may have been affected by this incident or have information, they can contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log 0482 of April 24. Further assistance can also be obtained from North West Ambulance Service and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
