Learner driver crashes into petrol station shop

A DRIVING lesson turned into a nightmare for a young driver – after she lost control of the vehicle and ploughed straight into a garage shop.

The scene of devastation after the learner's car ploughed into the garage shop. Picture: Alex Lawrie

The inexperienced motorist was just pulling out of the petrol station in Mayfield on Tuesday morning when she hit the accelerator instead of the brake.

Onlookers watched in horror as the Vauxhall Zafira smashed its way into the Shell shopfront, narrowly missing staff who were serving customers inside.

One told how the collision could have killed a garage worker who narrowly avoided being hurt.

The Shell garage on Mayfield Road shortly after the incident

Eyewitness Sam Bogie, from nearby Easthouses, watched the drama unfold as he walked his dog.

He said: “I heard an almighty crash. I ran over and saw the back of a learner’s car sticking out of the front of the shop. I ran over to help but fortunately there didn’t seem to be any injuries – they were in total shock though.

“The guy Ian, who works in the shop, had a lucky escape as another few feet to the left and he could have been a goner.”

Andrew Ferrier, from Mayfield, said the people involved were fortunate not to have been more seriously hurt.

“My sister was filling up with petrol at the time and couldn’t believe her eyes,” he said.

“She said the car was just pulling away when it just went straight instead of turning.

“I’m just glad no-one was seriously injured as it could have been much worse.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Midlothian attended at the Shell filling station in Mayfield Road at around 11am on Tuesday, February 3 after a Vauxhall Zafira collided with the front of the shop.

“No-one was injured during this incident.”

Shell employee Samantha Caw, who works at the garage, said: “Thankfully no-one was hurt and I’m sure the bosses at Shell will be doing all they can get to get the place open.

“I am sure I speak for everyone who works for Shell to say that we are all slightly shaken up and are just grateful that no staff or customers were injured.”

It is not yet known when the petrol station will reopen.

The mishap follows an incident last September when a driver was forced to dive for his belongings when his car plunged into the Union Canal near Ratho.

The Nissan Primera coasted 100 metres down the hill and became submerged in the waterway after the handbrake came off unexpectedly.