11-year-old boy drives car into house, it bursts in flames

Nov 9, 2014

Memphis, TN — Helen May and her daughter, Rosilyn Smith, were at home when they heard a “huge boom.” The two ran for their lives. A car had crashed into their house in North Memphis and burst into flames Saturday morning.

“And low and behold, there sits a car on our front porch, and it’s smoking,” said Smith to WMCTV.

WMC Action News 5 – Memphis, Tennessee

But the biggest shocker for the mom and daughter may have been who was behind the wheel. “Low and behold it’s my best friend’s grandson, only 11 years old,” said Smith.

According to the child’s uncle — who soon arrived on the scene soon after the crash — he was sleeping when the boy took the vehicle without permission. Police say that instead of hitting the brake, the preteen hit the accelerator and drove straight into the house.

Helen and Rosilyn say they’re not holding any grudges but are just happy they made it out in one piece. The driver was injured and treated at the hospital. He was cited with not having a license, financial responsibility, failure to maintain proper control, and striking a fixed object.