Family Escapes Burning Home After Car Goes Airborne Into It

PUYALLUP - A car drove right into their house. A Ford Escort to be exact and didn't stop until it hit the living room. Now, there's a huge mess and one heck of a story to tell.

It was a rude awakening for C.J. Hegstad and his grandmother Helen this morning in Puyallup.

"Pretty much came in airborne and landed about over here in this area and then just hit the deck, just moved it," said Hegstad.

Now, Helen says family is left with an epic mess which looks like a bomb exploded in their backyard.

"I couldn't believe it, but you should see the inside of the house too, it's a total disaster," said Hegstad.

Cops say the 19 year old female driver was speeding down Fruitland Avenue just after 3 AM Sunday, when her vehicle left the road and smashed right through the family's fence and ended up in their backyard.

Helen says she and C.J. didn't realize what had happened until a neighbor called 911.

"They started banging on our windows and doors and by that time the fire department and police were here," Hegstad.

According to Helen seconds later the car burst into flames and the situation got much worse.

"I yelled at him and I came out and this was just a big flame here. I said the house is on fire let's get out of here," said Hegstad.

C.J. and Helen escaped unharmed, the woman behind the wheel also walked away with just a few injuries.

C.J. says the family's home is now unlivable because it sustained heavy smoke and water damage and will require months of work.

"It's kind of sickening actually it's hard to breathe in here," said Hegstad.

This accident is the last thing Helen says she needs right now since she's fighting breast and colon cancer.

"It's going to be bad because I have so many doctors' appointments and everything. It's just unbelievable you never think it's going to happen to you, but you never know," said Hegstad.

Thankfully Helen had insurance so the damage will be covered. But, she and C.J. will have to spend the next two months in a hotel. Cops are still trying to figure out what caused the driver to go into their home, but are looking into if she was drinking.

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