A neighbour heard a “massive crash” as a car hit a carport after careering across multiple properties in Tauranga on Wednesday night.

The driver escaped serious injury but left a trail of damage in Grange Rd, Ōtūmoetai.

A Fire and Emergency spokesman said a Tauranga crew responded after a 111 call just before 10pm.

The initial report described a car hitting a house, but firefighters found on arrival that the car had ploughed into a carport next to a garage, the spokesman said.

One person was trapped inside the crashed car.

Emergency services left the scene about 10.30pm.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said he heard a “massive” bang.

“It was an almighty crash which has left a trail of damage after the car left the road.

“When I went outside for a look with my torch, I could see lots of people were trying to comfort the driver – he was a young fella, maybe under 20 – and helping the shocked occupant of the home.”

The two cars pictured were damaged when another car left the road and smashed into this Grange Rd property. Photo / Sandra Conchie

The resident said that after the car left the road, it damaged another neighbour’s retaining wall, narrowly missed a power pole, took out a bollard and hit a powerbox on another property.

He said the car ended up on its side, wedged against one of the poles of a neighbour’s carport, .

The carport was damaged, along with the two parked cars inside.

“This was a massive crash, which I understood could be heard as far away as Kingswood Rd.”

The occupant of the house declined to comment other than to say that she was “doing okay”.

“I’m so grateful for all the wonderful support I’ve had from friends and neighbours, and also the police and St John Ambulance staff. Everyone involved has been very kind and supportive.”

A Hato Hone St John spokesman said they were notified at 9.59pm, and sent an ambulance and operations manager.

“Our ambulance staff assessed one patient at the scene in a minor condition, but they did not require hospital treatment.”

Police were approached for comment.

Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 25 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.