Police Blame Wet Roads After A Van Crashes Into Malden Home

MALDEN (CBS) -- A van in Malden lost control and crashed into a house during Monday morning's slippery commute.

Wet roads likely explain how a van skidded and crashed into a home on Salem Street around 9 a.m., Malden Police said.

According to officials, the van was unable to stop as it went down a street that intersects with Salem Street on a steep incline.

"That's a bad hill on a good day," said Joseph Chapman, who lives in the damaged home.

He told WBZ-TV that he was home at the time of the crash and lucky to have not been seriously injured.

"I was just about to step into the hallway when I heard an explosion, and I thought it was outside until this piece of wood came flying by me. Had I stepped into the hallway two maybe three seconds earlier I wouldn't be here talking to you," he said.

The three other people and three dogs that live in the house were also uninjured.

According to Chapman, the van made it through a concrete wall a foot thick at the front of his house and four feet into his hallway and living room.

"My couch went flying, I don't know where it is anymore."

Chapman and his neighbors know they live at a difficult intersection, though.

"I've had three cars totaled in my driveway," explained Chapman.

He added that his neighbor used to have a garage in his driveway but got rid of it when he grew tired of repairing it after multiple cars damaged it.

Chapman said he was trying to remain optimistic and focus on returning home.

"I just want to get this thing over with and get the house fixed and back to my normal living," he explained. "I've lived here almost half of my life."

Chapman expressed concern for the driver as well.

"I just hope the driver is well, I know he was standing but he was very shaken up," said Chapman.

According to officials, the driver received minor injuries and was taken the hospital for evaluation.