Dad says ‘lucky no one killed’ after broken down van struck by suspected drink-driver on hard shoulder of M2 near Faversham
A dad whose broken down van was struck on a hard shoulder by a suspected drink-driver says it was "lucky nobody was killed". Paul Hyland had been travelling along the M2 near Faversham when his vehicle suffered a mechanical failure and he had to pull over to await recovery.
Fearful of the danger of being stationary on the motorway, the 42-year-old electrician arranged for his father to come and collect his six-year-old daughter and his dog. While he was waiting alone in the front seat, a car ploughed into the back of his van, sending it careering off the carriageway and into trees.
A woman was arrested on suspicion of drink driving following the collision on Saturday evening and was later released pending further enquiries. Mr Hyland, who is from Hempstead, said: "My van broke down on the way back from Broadstairs beach and when I was awaiting recovery a woman smashed right in the back of me. "I was in the front with my seat belt on as there was nowhere to safely wait.
"Before impact, I had my dog and six-year-old little girl with me, but they were collected by my dad for safety as I didn't want them waiting by the motorway with me.
"I think about what could have happened if they were in the vehicle.
"It was pushed up the grass bank and into the trees. It was lucky nobody was killed. The seat belt saved me from serious injury, definitely."
There were delays following the crash on the London-bound carriageway[1] while emergency services attended the scene. Mr Hyland had to be freed from his vehicle by fire crews and was then taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford for treatment. Police say they were called to the collision between junctions 6 and 5 at 6.42pm.
A spokesman said: "Patrols, paramedics, fire crews and highways officers attended the scene where two people were treated for injuries.
They were taken to hospital for further medical attention.
"The carriageway was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident and the vehicles were recovered."
References
- ^ on the London-bound carriageway (kentonline.co.uk)