In a heart-stopping moment that shattered the Saturday afternoon calm, a car careered through the front of beloved Leichhardt patisserie The Cupcake Room, sending shockwaves through the inner-west community.
The dramatic incident unfolded around 3:45pm on bustling Norton Street, a popular shopping and dining destination, when the vehicle mounted the kerb and crashed directly into the bakery's storefront.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion as the silver hatchback came to rest partially inside the establishment, surrounded by shattered glass and damaged shop fittings.
Miraculous Escape for Staff and Patrons
Despite the extensive property damage, in what emergency services are calling a "miraculous" outcome, nobody inside the bakery sustained serious injuries.
"We're incredibly fortunate that this didn't end in tragedy," said a NSW Ambulance spokesperson. "Given the time of day and the popularity of the venue, it's nothing short of miraculous that there were no life-threatening injuries."
Two women who were inside the bakery at the time of the impact were treated for shock at the scene by paramedics but did not require hospitalisation.
Community Rallying Around Local Business
The Cupcake Room has long been a fixture of the Leichhardt community, known for its artisanal baked goods and vibrant storefront. Locals expressed their shock and support for the business owners in the aftermath.
"It's devastating to see this happen to such a beloved local business," said one regular customer. "The Cupcake Room is part of what makes Norton Street special. We'll all be backing them to rebuild and reopen."
Forensic officers remained on scene late into Saturday evening, working to determine the exact cause of the crash. Police have confirmed the driver, a woman in her 40s, was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for mandatory testing.
Road Closures and Cleanup Operation
The incident caused significant disruption to the area, with Norton Street closed between Marion and Elswick Streets for several hours while emergency services secured the scene and began the cleanup operation.
Structural engineers were called to assess the damage to the building facade, with initial reports suggesting the shopfront would require extensive repairs before the business could resume trading.
As investigations continue, the Leichhardt community has begun mobilising support for The Cupcake Room, with social media flooded with messages of support and offers of assistance for the affected business.
