A 16-MONTH-OLD baby is fighting for its life after being thrown from a car that had spun off the central reservation on the Thanet Way.

Emergency crews were called to the crash at 10.25am this morning. It took place on the coastbound stretch of the dual carriageway close to the Reculver turning, near Herne Bay.

A Y-registration blue Rover was the only car involved. It is believed the female driver lost control and hit the central barrier, which sent the car into a spin.

The baby was thrown out the rear side window as it was spinning.

The driver suffered cuts to her arms and shoulders, while two other adults, also female, and a four-year-old child escaped without injury.

Firefighters from Herne Bay closed off the road in both directions to allow room for a Kent Air Ambulance helicopter to land.

The baby was flown to the QEQM Hospital in Margate. The remainder of the party were driven by ambulance to the hospital where they are being treated for shock.

Leading firefighter Ian Pyart was among the first on the scene.

He said: "We believe the car was following a coach party. They had travelled from Catford and I think they were on their way to Margate.

"It is difficult to know what happened. I just think the driver lost control."

The section of the Thanet Way remained closed and diversions in place while crash ivestigators examined the scene but the road has since reopened.