Car removed from West Town home after inspection, allowing repairs to begin
The 79-year-old driver was cited for the crash.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mallory and John Banchero are finally able to move forward with repairs after a vehicle that crashed into their West Town home was removed following an inspection.
The couple waited more than two days for approval to tow the car from their house. Inspectors arrived early Tuesday and cleared the vehicle for removal, according to the homeowners.
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"Eight a.m. we came rushing down, and the Department of Buildings is here. And they said, 'We saw ABC7's news story.' That was the first words they said," Mallory Banchero said.
The crash happened early Sunday morning when a driver apparently mistook the gas pedal for the brake in her Mini Cooper, sending the vehicle through a heavy brick wall of the home and causing significant damage.
Despite the destruction, the Bancheros expressed sympathy for the driver.
"We felt horrible for the woman who was driving. She was beside herself. She was at a loss for words," John Banchero said.
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The homeowners said they also wanted the vehicle removed because of safety concerns. According to the report, several vandals broke into the car around 3 a.m., prompting an overnight police presence at the house.
"We felt like there was a target on our backs for two days," Banchero said.
With the vehicle gone, engineers and contractors can begin addressing the damage. Structural engineers have determined the damage extends beyond a hole in the wall. A tarp has been placed over the damaged area inside the home, and crews can now install temporary protection on the exterior before repair work begins.
"We have weeks and months of work ahead of us," Banchero said.
According to a statement from the Department of Buildings, an inspector evaluated conditions at the site, determined there were no immediate structural or life-safety concerns, and advised the Chicago Police Department that the vehicle could be safely towed.
The developments mark a significant step forward for the homeowners, as they begin what is expected to be a lengthy repair process.
The 79-year-old driver was cited for the crash.
