The drama unfolded at the BP garage in Scotgate, Stamford, at 2pm today, when a silver BMW 3 series entered the car wash. The machine had just completed its first cycle and had just begun its reverse phase when it collapsed, and fell towards the ground.

According to eyewitnesses the driver of the car realised what was happening, floored the accelerator and made his escape, but unfortunately hit the corner of the garage shop, causing severe damage to the car's bonnet.
One witness said: "We were sitting in the Green Man pub opposite when we heard this almighty bang. We though a lorry had shed its load or something, so we raced outside, and saw the carwash falling down. The driver managed to speed off, but he hit the wall."
Fire, police and an ambulance were quickly on the scene, and the driver was treated on site by paramedics. The station's forecourt has been closed as a precautionary measure, and is due to re-open later today.
Sheila Williams, a spokeswoman for BP, said: "We can confirm there was an incident involving a motorist at our site in Stamford. We will now be carrying out investigations to see what happened and the station will remain closed until further notice."