The Butler family from Co. Donegal have had a lucky escape this week after a van landed on the roof of their home.
Mother-of-three Lindsay Butler and her family were unpacking shopping at their home just outside Gortahork when the crash happened.
This is not the first time the family have had a near-miss, as a vehicle also hit their house three years ago and the family are now demanding that a crash barrier be built outside their home.
Three years ago, the family woke to find a car wedged between the back wall of their house and the house itself.
Then on Saturday night, a van came off the road and smashed straight into their house.
“We were just unloading the shopping form the car when we heard a loud bang and then we felt everything shake,” Joanne stated.
“We then realised a van had struck the front of the house, it had struck both of the boulders and that reduced its impact but it caused the van to somersault and hit our roof,” she continued.
The crash scene in 2011 (Pic via The Mirror).
“Our three children who are aged five, six and eight were absolutely terrified and I took them inside and sent my husband to check on the driver.
“The van was absolutely mangled as you can imagine, the driver stumbled out of the van and asked to use the bathroom.
“However, as soon as he got to the bathroom, he collapsed, we had called Now Doc as soon as the car hit the house so thankfully they arrived soon after.
“It was only in the light of day that we were able to see the damage for ourselves, it was scary to think what could have happened if the boulders weren’t there.
“Our house is over two hundred years old and the old stone it’s made from saved us from even more damage.
“Our kids sleep right at that part of the house and it’s terrifying to think what could’ve happened if the kids were sleeping in the room,” she continued.
“The kids are naturally very shook up about the incident as we all are, the sleeping arrangements aren’t ideal at the minute but we’re just thankful nobody was fatally injured.”
Joanne and her family have been told that a crash barrier could cost approximately €5,000 and they are calling on Donegal County Council to provide them with a barrier.
“It’s a miracle that nobody has been killed, and we just want a barrier erected so it can protect our family,” she said.
“Will it take someone to lose their life before they do something, I really hope they can do something about the situation.
“We can’t afford the money required for a crash barrier so we’re hoping the issue can be resolved, until then I’m on the look out for two new boulders.”
