Car Smashes Through Florida Home as Owner Sleeps Inside — ‘I Thought It Was Thunder!

North Lauderdale, FL — It was just after sunrise on Sunday morning when a deafening crash jolted residents awake on Southwest Eighth Court. For one local homeowner, the noise wasn’t thunder like he first thought — it was the sound of a car smashing straight through the side of his house, tearing a massive hole through the wall where his living room used to be.

“I thought it was a storm or something at first,” the stunned homeowner told reporters. “Then I got up, came around the corner… and saw a car in my house.”

The Crash

According to Broward Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred early Sunday when a vehicle veered off the road and slammed into the residence. The impact punched a hole nearly 10 feet wide, ripping through part of the living room and exposing insulation, debris, and shattered drywall.

Fire Rescue crews arrived quickly on scene, securing the area and confirming that no one inside the home or the vehicle was injured, which officials say is nothing short of miraculous.

“This could have been much worse,” said a firefighter on site. “A few feet in the wrong direction, and we’d be talking about casualties.”

A Violent Wake-Up Call

The homeowner, who asked not to be named, said he was asleep in the next room when the crash occurred.

“The whole house shook,” he said. “I opened my door and thought, ‘Am I dreaming?’ Then I saw the sunlight coming through the wall and knew it was real.”

Neighbors rushed over to help and described the chaotic aftermath.

“There was just dust and glass everywhere,” said Maria Lopez, who lives two doors down. “The front of the car was completely inside the house. It was scary.”

The Investigation

Deputies are still investigating what caused the crash. Preliminary reports suggest driver error may be a factor, but officials are also looking into possible mechanical failure or even medical distress.

The driver, who remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, has not been identified publicly. No citations or charges have been announced as of now.

“It’s an ongoing case,” said a Broward Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. “We’re still gathering witness accounts and reviewing video from nearby homes.”

Aftermath & Next Steps

The home sustained major structural damage, including a breached exterior wall, damaged foundation supports, and collapsed interior framing. City officials and building inspectors were seen at the property later in the day, assessing whether the house remains safe to occupy.

The homeowner says he’s now staying with family while he waits for insurance adjusters to evaluate the damage. He’s unsure how long repairs will take.

“I just want to feel safe in my own home again,” he said. “I never thought I’d have to deal with something like this.”

Neighborhood Concerns Rising

While the incident was isolated, it’s not the first time neighbors have raised concerns about speeding on Southwest Eighth Court.

“This street gets dangerous, especially in the early morning or late at night,” said longtime resident Terrance Hill. “People treat it like a racetrack.”

Residents are now calling on the city to consider installing speed bumps or traffic cameras to reduce the risk of future accidents.