27/09/2011

 

A WOMAN driver had a lucky escape after her car crashed through a safety barrier, plunged down a 30ft bank and was left resting precariously above a very steep drop.

Although trapped in the car, the driver managed to call for help on her mobile phone.

Firefighters from Cinderford spent two-and-a-half hours rescuing the woman and recovering the vehicle from a small copse of trees above a cliff off the A4136 at Plump Hill.

Station manager, Steve Bateman, said: "The driver of this vehicle is extremely lucky, she left the road, crashed through the safety barrier and plunged down a 30 foot bank to rest precariously at the bottom.

"The vehicle at this point was unstable and in a dangerous position, swift action by the crews from Cinderford prevented the vehicle moving further down the bank. The occupant of the vehicle was able to walk herself back to the top where she was checked over by paramedics and identified as having suffered no real injuries.

"Although the vehicle had come to rest in a small copse of trees, it was hanging over a very steep drop. My main concern was what was below? Were people in danger? Therefore we assisted the police in the stabilisation and recovery of the vehicle."