A coach carrying ten elderly people collided with a car on the A127 before ploughing through crash barriers and a lamp post at Eastwood last night.

A car attempting to join the A127 from Daws Heath Road collided with the Southend-bound coach at about 9.30pm. The force of the collision sent the coach through the central reservation.

Police said it was a miracle the passengers and driver of the coach - who were returning from a day-trip to Norfolk - escaped unhurt.

However, the driver of the car, a Ford Escort, was taken to Southend Hospital suffering from a broken right leg and collar-bone. He was cut free from the wreckage by firefighters during a 30-minute operation.

It took five hours to free the wedged coach.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call Rayleigh Traffic on 01268 775533.

Published Monday, August 4, 2003

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