People back retirement home after car smashes into Newport building

The extent of the damage caused to the three-storey retirement home isn't as bad as first thought.

Nearly 20 apartments had to be evacuated from the McCarthy and Stone-run Butter Cross Court in Newport while structural engineers assessed the level of destruction when the Mercedes A180 hit the building.

But after a full inspection, it has been revealed that all but three of the apartments can be reoccupied. Residents of the assisted living facility were housed in the nearby Premier Inn for the night while inspections were undertaken.

But most were today back at home after the building was deemed safe.

A spokeswoman for McCarthy and Stone said: "Following the incident at Butter Cross Court, our structural engineer has undertaken a full and thorough assessment of the building and confirmed that all but three apartments can be reoccupied.

"These three apartments will be subject to further inspection, and we are currently working with and supporting those homeowners affected, finding suitable alternative accommodation for them until the necessary remedial works can be carried out.

"The homeowners returning are now happy to be back in their apartments. They enjoyed their night in the local Premier Inn where the staff were exceptional, and we would like to thank them for all their efforts in making our homeowners feel welcome and comfortable as we waited for a full structural review of the building.

"We will continue to work closely with the authorities managing the incident and with those homeowners affected so we can return them to their apartments as quickly as possible."

Police want information from anybody who might have seen the accident on Wednesday morning. Crowds gathered as four fire crews saved the trapped driver and then pulled the car to safety.