An unusual crash at a McDonald’s in West Auckland left a car upside down in the drive-thru on Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the corner of Great North Road and West Coast Road at about 12.35pm. The vehicle came to rest on its roof, only a short distance from the drive-thru menu board.
Police described the incident as a “parking mishap.” No injuries were reported. Fire and Emergency New Zealand also attended the scene with one crew.
Car Lands Under Drive-Thru Sign
Images from the scene showed the vehicle overturned beneath the McDonald’s drive-thru height sign. Safety cones were placed around the area as people gathered nearby.
A second vehicle was also damaged in the incident. Its bumper was reportedly torn away.
The unusual position of the overturned car caused disruption to the drive-thru, although the restaurant itself remained open. A McDonald’s Kelston worker told 1News that customers could still use the front counter while the drive-thru was closed.
No Injuries Reported After Crash
While the sight of a car sitting on its roof inside a fast-food drive-thru was striking, the incident did not result in reported injuries.
The crash highlights how quickly a seemingly ordinary parking or vehicle manoeuvre can lead to an unexpected situation. Busy commercial areas can have pedestrians, parked vehicles, buildings and other obstacles close to moving traffic.
Drivers should remain attentive even when travelling at low speeds. Checking surroundings carefully and maintaining control of the vehicle can help reduce the risk of collisions in busy parking and drive-thru areas.
Drive-Thru Closed Following Incident
The McDonald’s drive-thru was closed while the scene was dealt with. The front counter remained available for customers.
The incident attracted attention because of the unusual final position of the vehicle. Rather than stopping in a conventional parking area, the car ended up completely overturned inside the restaurant’s drive-thru.
For motorists, the incident is also a reminder that parking areas and drive-thru lanes still require the same level of care as roads. A momentary mistake can result in significant vehicle damage and disruption.
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