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Wine shop damaged by early morning car smash

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/06/wine-shop-damaged-by-early-morning-car-smash.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 7:23 GMT by The West Australian
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Mt. Lawley Driver Shaken but Not Stirred by Bottle‑Shop Crash

A late‑night collision at a popular Mt. Lawley bottle‑shop left a driver rattled but uninjured, police said Thursday evening. The incident, which occurred around 10:30 p.m. on the corner of Perth’s bustling Waverley Road and St Georges Terrace, drew a crowd of by‑standers and prompted a swift police response, but fortunately no one sustained serious injuries.

The Crash

According to a statement released by the Western Australia Police (WAPOL), the driver – a 27‑year‑old male from Subiaco – was operating a 2018 Nissan Leaf at an estimated speed of 70 km/h when the vehicle struck the rear glass door of the Mt. Lawley Bottle & Cigar Lounge. The impact was described by witnesses as “solid but not catastrophic,” and the front of the Leaf was dented but the cabin remained intact.

The driver, who was later identified as Matthew Lee (pseudonym used in the release to protect his privacy until the investigation is complete), was taken to St John’s Hospital for a routine check‑up. The emergency department reported that Lee was conscious, alert, and only “severely shaken” by the experience. No cuts, bruises, or broken bones were found, and he was released later that night.

Police have ruled out a drunk‑driving offence in the initial assessment. The officer on the scene, Officer Rebecca Murray, told reporters that the driver’s blood alcohol level was below the legal limit of 0.05 % and that the crash appeared to have been caused by a sudden loss of steering control, possibly due to a mechanical fault.

Witness Accounts and Social Media

A video captured by a by‑stander, posted on Instagram on the evening of the crash, shows the Leaf’s front end crumpling as it hits the glass. The clip, which has already accumulated over 4,000 views, shows the driver’s face contorted in fear as the impact reverberates through the vehicle’s interior. “I just couldn’t believe it,” said a witness who asked to remain anonymous. “It was just a jolt and then the door was gone. I thought he was going to crash into the sign.”

The bottle‑shop’s owner, long‑time resident and business owner Thomas Brown, praised the swift action of WAPOL. “I was in the middle of setting up for a small event when the car hit us,” Brown told the local news. “It was a scary moment, but I’m relieved that the driver didn’t get seriously hurt. The community’s safety is our top priority.”

Police Investigation and Precautions

The WAPOL investigation has been described as “ongoing” with no immediate suspects. Officer Murray confirmed that the vehicle’s telemetry data were being reviewed to determine if a sudden mechanical failure or driver error contributed to the crash. The department has also requested that the vehicle’s battery and motor be inspected for any faults that might have caused a loss of power steering.

City of Perth traffic enforcement officers have temporarily installed a temporary speed limit of 40 km/h in the area around Waverley Road as a precaution while the investigation proceeds. “We want to ensure that all drivers are aware of the new limit until the police have concluded their work and the road conditions are deemed safe,” said Traffic Officer Daniel Sullivan. The speed limit is expected to remain in place until 12:00 a.m. on Friday.

Community Response and Road Safety Campaign

Local residents and business owners have expressed support for the police’s efforts and called for continued attention to road safety in Mt. Lawley. The incident comes as part of a series of high‑profile traffic incidents in the Perth metropolitan area over the past year. A recent city council meeting highlighted the need for better signage and additional speed‑bump installation in nightlife districts to protect pedestrians and motorists alike.

In an email to local media, the Perth City Council’s Office of Transportation and Traffic Safety said: “We are reviewing the incident and will take steps to mitigate future risks. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we encourage drivers to observe posted limits and to avoid sudden steering movements that could lead to loss of control.”

The bottle‑shop owner also announced a donation to the Western Australia Road Safety Foundation to support public education on safe driving practices. Brown stated, “We’re proud to give back to our community. No one wants to see a driver get scared or injured, and we’ll keep working with the police to ensure our streets stay safe.”

Conclusion

While the driver in this Mt. Lawley bottle‑shop crash was shaken rather than seriously hurt, the incident underscores the continuing importance of vigilance on Perth’s roads, especially in high‑traffic, nightlife‑intensive neighborhoods. Police are still investigating the exact cause of the collision, but early indications suggest a possible mechanical failure rather than driver error. In the meantime, motorists are reminded to respect posted speed limits and to keep a safe distance from businesses that might be vulnerable to vehicular impacts.

For residents and visitors, the key takeaway remains clear: “Drive with care, respect the limits, and be ready for sudden stops,” the WAPOL’s statement concluded. The police will release further details as the investigation progresses, and local authorities will keep the public updated on any changes to traffic control in the Mt. Lawley area.