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Mum describes how her son had a lucky escape when DPD van crashed into her home in Adisham Green in Kemsley near Sittingbourne

A mum has spoken of her relief that nobody was hurt after a delivery van crashed into her living room - where her son had been sat moments before.

The Fry family do not know when they can return to their home in Adisham Green, Kemsley, near Sittingbourne, where they have lived for 12 years after a DPD van ploughed into the property.

A DPD van crashed into the home in Adisham Green, Kemsley
A DPD van crashed into the home in Adisham Green, Kemsley

Sons Troy, 14, and Joshua, 21, were in the two bedrooms above the living room when the crash happened around 4.40pm on Monday (September 23).

It is understood that a black car was heading in the other direction, towards the junction with Newman Drive, when the van veered into the house.

A DPD spokesman said: “We can confirm that the DPD driver was forced to swerve to avoid a head-on collision with a car, which unfortunately resulted in him hitting the house.”

The aftermath of the crash, in Adisham Green, Kemsley. Picture: Joe Crossley
The aftermath of the crash, in Adisham Green, Kemsley. Picture: Joe Crossley

Angela Fry had been coming home from picking up her daughter from swimming lessons and another one of her sons from football when she received a phone call from Joshua.

“He said to me that I needed to listen to what had happened”, Angela said, “and he explained a van had hit our house and that I needed to get home now.

“I couldn’t believe it when I turned up and I still can’t believe it now.

“It could have been so much worse as where the van crashed is where Troy normally sits on the sofa. He had just went upstairs to watch TV in his room five minutes before it happened.

“Both Troy and Joshua were shocked and were shaken up by it but are all okay now.

“We don’t know when we will be able to return to our home.”

Police at the scene. Picture: Joe Crossley
Police at the scene. Picture: Joe Crossley

Dad Warren Fry had been heading home from work when the crash happened.

The impact took out a window and much of the brickwork which fell into the living room.

The emergency services were called, including fire crews and a technical rescue unit, who helped pull the van away from the house.

They left the scene at 9.50pm.

Police shut the road and a spokesman for the force said no injuries were reported.

Neighbours told KentOnline of hearing a “loud bang” before seeing the driver climbing out of the van.

Kent Fire and Rescue attended along with police. Picture: Joe Crossley
Kent Fire and Rescue attended along with police. Picture: Joe Crossley

Alison and Paul Randell, who have lived in the residential street for 24 years and are in their 50s, first thought the crash had taken place behind the street.

Alsion said: “We first heard a beep and then a loud bang but thought it was behind our house so didn’t jump up that quickly.

“But we took a look and nothing had happened so took a look out the front and saw the van in the wall.

“A lot of the neighbours were coming out of their houses to see what had happened.

“We were evacuated by the police when they turned up as they thought the van might explode.

“We were all very concerned for the family as it is something you would never expect to happen.”

The home has been boarded up following the crash. Picture: Joe Crossley
The home has been boarded up following the crash. Picture: Joe Crossley

A DPD spokesman said: “The depot operations manager attended the scene immediately to help out. He spoke to everybody and was able to view CCTV footage of the incident from a neighbour.

“The van has very minimal damage to it. We are very relieved that no one was hurt in this incident and will obviously work with the insurers to ensure that everything is resolved as soon as possible for the family.”

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