According to reports, Anne Heche's vehicle was "engulfed in flames" after the collision and was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition.

The occurrence took place on Friday morning in Ms. Heche's neighborhood of Mar Vista, Los Angeles.

The actress (53) is best known for her roles in Psycho, Donnie Brasco, and Cedar Rapids. She was formerly married to US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

Ms. Heche was seen driving a blue Mini Cooper in photos and videos that US media outlet TMZ later discovered to be seriously damaged at the crash site.

The 53-year-old actress (left) is best known for her roles in the movies Donnie Brasco, Psycho, and Cedar Rapids. She was formerly married to US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. (Peter Jordan/PA)

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that the vehicle "erupted into heavy fire" after hitting a two-story house.

According to a LAFD report, it took 59 firefighters 65 minutes to reach, contain, and completely put out the tenacious flames inside the severely damaged structure.

“One female adult (was) found within the vehicle, who has been taken to an area hospital by LAFD Paramedics in critical condition.”

The LAFD also confirmed to the PA news agency that the vehicle had driven 30ft into the residence but that the occupant had escaped without injury.

The building was left “uninhabitable”, spokesman Brian Humphrey added.

Heche began dating DeGeneres in 1997 but separated in 2000.