Two fire crews from Greenock and two police cars rushed to the scene of the dramatic incident at the four storey block of flats in Regent Street, next to the junction of Sir Michael Street, yesterday afternoon.

Traffic congestion built up quickly after a police cordon was put in place and the road closed while the emergency services assessed the scene of the crash, which involved a black transit van.

Sean Giff, who lives on the second floor, says he got the fright of his life when he suddenly heard a huge bang and felt his home shake.

The 45-year-old chef said: “I was in the living room when my whole flat shook and I heard an almighty thud.

“I thought ‘what the hell is that?’.

“I looked out the window and I saw that a van had gone into the side of the building.

“It doesn’t surprise me that this has happened as that road is a crazy road, it’s so busy.

“There should be traffic lights or something.” Jim MacKenzie, right, also got a fright when he looked out and saw that the van had struck the building just below his kitchen.

The retired 60-year-old said: “I had just made a cup of tea and was heading into the bedroom when I heard this big bang.

“I looked out and saw this van under my kitchen.

“The driver was out and walking about and then two fire engines and two police cars turned up.

“It’s left a big hole in the wall.” Eddie Gallagher, watch manager at Greenock fire station, said the male driver was taken to hospital for a ‘precautionary check-up’.

He said: “A van crashed into the ground floor flat in Regent Street.

“Upon arrival we made sure the casualty was ok and made sure the vehicle was safe by disconnecting the battery.

“We requested the building controllers attend to assess the damage to the building and to make sure it’s safe.

“There was no need to evacuate the building.”