CRANBERRY TWP — A Vogel Disposal garbage truck today rolled backward into a house on Parkwood Drive, causing extensive damage.

The homeowners were there at about 9:30 a.m., when the large truck smashed into the northwest corner of the house. A neighbor reported the homeowners thought the noise was gunfire.

Sgt. Chuck Mascellino of the Cranberry Township Police said the driver got out of his truck on Carriage Drive to adjust a refuse receptacle for automatic pickup by the truck, but forgot to set the parking brake.

The truck rolled backward down Carriage Drive, crossed Parkwood Drive, and went between a tree and power transformers before it struck the house.

“It caused significant damage,” Mascellino said. “We don't have an estimate yet.”

He said the floor and wall in the dining room/living room combination that was hit by the truck were damaged. He said it is not yet clear whether there is damage to the second floor.

The state Department of Transportation is inspecting the truck. Police said no charges have yet been filed.