'Heartfelt condolences': BurgerFuel responds after car smashes into restaurant as staff cleaning up

A car smashed into a BurgerFuel in South Auckland last night as staff were cleaning up inside after closing time.

A long stretch of Great South Rd was closed for several hours.

Emergency services were called around 10.15pm after the car crashed through a fence and then a window of the burger restaurant at the Oak Junction shops, just south of the Walters Rd roundabout at Southgate, Takanini.

Photos from the scene show the car was left a mangled wreck.

Police have not yet released information on injuries or fatalities.

Nikki Soons, head of brand and marketing at BurgerFuel, said, “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families, and everyone affected by last night’s tragic incident that involved BurgerFuel Takanini.

“We can confirm that the restaurant had closed and that none of our team members working at the time were injured. We are working closely with our franchisee and staff to provide our support.”

Emergency services at the scene of crash on Great South Road last night. Photo / Hayden Woodward

A witness who arrived at the scene afterwards told NZME he was waiting at the traffic lights near McDonald’s on Great South Rd when a car sped past at what he guessed was well over 100km/h.

“It went past very, very fast. I was like, ‘What the f***, he’s going way too fast’.”

He did not witness the crash itself.

BurgerFuel staff and workers from nearby shops were outside the restaurant this morning checking out the damage.

There was extensive damage to the exterior of the restaurant with glass and a broken fence scattered at the storefront. Windows had been boarded up.

Emergency services are attending a serious crash on Great South Road, where a vehicle has crashed into a building at high speed. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The scene of the crash this morning. Photo / Joel Kulasingham

A worker said a car had come through the Walters Rd roundabout and smashed into the side of the building.

“It must have been going pretty fast,” said another person at the scene.

Skid marks can be seen on the footpath near the roundabout, about 20m away from the restaurant.

A BurgerFuel representative declined to comment.

Three fire crews attended the incident and assisted police and ambulance, Fire and Emergency northern shift manager Colin Underdown said.

Workers were inspecting the damage this morning. Photo / Joel Kulasingham

Police are investigating. Photo / Joel Kulasingham

Locals reported taking a long detour with a stretch of Great South Rd closed off.

Police said the road had since reopened.

They have not commented on injuries.

“Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“Further details will be provided when we are in a position to do so.”

Emergency services are attending a serious crash on Great South Road, where a vehicle has crashed into a building at high speed. Photo / Hayden Woodward