A Mini Cooper that remained lodged inside a West Town townhome for more than two days after crashing through the building has finally been removed, allowing homeowners to begin the long process of repairing their damaged property.
The vehicle was extracted Tuesday after inspectors from the Chicago Department of Buildings completed a structural assessment and determined the home did not pose an immediate life-safety risk.
Officials said the inspection was necessary before the car could be safely removed because the vehicle had become part of the structure after smashing through the home’s exterior wall. The clearance allowed towing crews to remove the car without causing additional damage to the building.
Couple Endures Stressful Delay
Homeowners Mallare and John Banchero said the wait was both frustrating and emotionally draining as they were unable to begin repairs while the vehicle remained stuck in their home.
The couple told ABC7 Chicago they were worried about the home’s stability and the possibility of further damage. Their concerns only grew further after someone reportedly broke into the Mini Cooper while it was still lodged in the townhome, prompting additional police attention at the scene.
Although the vehicle has now been removed, the homeowners said the incident has left them facing an extensive recovery process. Contractors and structural engineers can now fully assess the damage and begin stabilization work before permanent repairs move forward.
Crash Caused by Pedal Error, Police Say
@abc7chicago A car remains lodged in a couple’s West Town townhome on Monday night after the driver plowed into it on Sunday morning. The couple was told that the car cannot be removed until there’s an inspection by the Buildings Department. #news #chicago #chicagonews ♬ original sound – abc7chicago
According to Chicago police, the crash happened early Sunday when a 79-year-old woman driving the Mini Cooper accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. The vehicle left the roadway and slammed through the brick exterior of the townhome, coming to rest on the first floor.
Despite the dramatic impact, no serious injuries were reported. Police later issued citations to the driver in connection with the crash.
The collision left a large opening in the front of the home and raised concerns about the building’s structural integrity until inspectors completed their evaluation.
Long Road to Recovery Ahead
With the car finally removed, the Bancheros can begin the next phase of restoring their home. Engineers are expected to conduct a more detailed structural review to determine the full extent of the damage, while contractors work to reinforce and rebuild the affected areas.
The homeowners said the crash damaged more than just the visible exterior wall, so repairs are expected to take weeks or possibly months before the townhome is back to normal.
Although the removal of the vehicle marks a significant step forward, the couple says their focus is now on rebuilding and returning their home to its previous condition. After multiple days of uncertainty, they say they are relieved that the recovery process can finally move forward.