Crane crashes into house in Matlock

A mobile crane has crashed into a house in Matlock, Derbyshire, causing substantial damage to the property.

The 26-tonne mobile crane smashed into the house early this afternoon (13 August), when the family who lived in the house was out. The driver was uninjured.

• View a report on the accident on the BBC website

Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident.

Sergeant Tony McVeigh told the BBC: "A mobile crane came down a steep hill, the Chesterfield Road, took a left hand turn and then collided with two cars. The driver took evasive action and then steered to the left and into the house."

It is thought that the brakes on the mobile crane may have failed during its descent down the hill.