(Reuters) - A German pensioner had a lucky escape after losing control of his car and repeatedly crashing into a petrol station, causing nearly 50,000 euros ($60,000) of damage.

Police said the 77-year-old driver, who smashed into the station shop four times and hit a van before coming to a stop by two refrigerators in store, probably confused the accelerator with the brake pedal and the forward and reverse gear.

The driver was taken to hospital with light injuries after Wednesday’s incident in Wendlingen, 30km (20 miles) southeast of Stuttgart, according to local media.