News, North East and Cumbria
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Eight people have been taken to hospital after a car smashed into a care home.
Residents at Highcliffe Care Home, in Witherwack, Sunderland, were evacuated following the crash, which happened at about 21:40 BST on Wednesday, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) confirmed.
Part of the building has been badly damaged, with a huge hole left in the side of the property.
Avery Health Group, which manages the care home, said residents have been moved to temporary accommodation. Northumbria Police has been approached for comment.
The wife of one resident who has been evacuated, Carol Wilson, said she could not “believe her eyes” when she saw the damage.
Mrs Wilson, 66, from Roker, said: “It [the car] hit the home and we got a call at 23:10 hearing about the damage. I couldn’t believe my eyes, the whole top floor has caved in.”
Her husband, Kenneth Wilson, 76, has lived at the care home for more than a year and was evacuated at about 01:00 BST on Thursday, Mrs Wilson said.
She said her husband had been moved to a separate home in County Durham but it was not known when he can come back home.
“The thing for me now is getting him moved closer to home as I can’t drive to Durham,” she said.
“But I want to stress how brilliant the staff have been, I can’t thank them enough.”
A NEAS spokesperson said it sent three emergency ambulance crews and several specialist teams to the scene on Whitechurch Road.
“We assisted with the evacuation of residents at the property and eight patients were conveyed to hospital,” they added.
In a statement, Avery Healthcare said: “The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our absolute priority and we continue to work closely with the relevant authorities.
“Residents have been moved to alternative accommodation where their care continues without interruption.
“We would like to express our sincere thanks to the carers and colleagues across our neighbouring homes who have stepped in to support at this time.
“Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care has been truly commendable.”
