by Emma Grove

egrove@thekmgroup.co.uk

A taxi driver has been dubbed a hero by his three teenage passengers after he managed to manoeuvre his car away from a serious accident.

A 13-year-old boy from Minster had to be cut free by firefighters and taken to hospital after the collision on Monday, but no-one suffered serious injuries, thanks to the quick thinking of taxi man Paul Smith.

Mr Smith, who drives for the White Cab Co, had picked up three youngsters from the Island to take them to Furness Community Special School in Swanley.

There was also a female escort in the car when the accident happened at about 9.40am on the A249 Sittingbourne-carriageway, between the Sheppey Crossing and the Kemsley turn-off.

Tony Stannard, taxi firm boss, said a Vauxhall Corsa travelling in the outside lane hit a pool of water and aquaplaned.

The Corsa span over the carriageway, colliding with the taxi before hitting the central reservation.

He said: “We believe she braked or lost control and collided with the side of the car, the driver’s door, because of the water.

“They thought the car was going to go over the bank, but Paul moved the car and got over to the other side out of the way.”

The other two boys in the car were both aged 14 from Eastchurch and Sheerness.

They were unhurt, but firefighters rushed to the scene and used hydraulic cutting equipment to remove the roof of the taxi and free the 13-year-old who had suffered whiplash, which were initially believed to be spinal injuries.

They removed the roof so it was easier to remove him from the car.

He was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital, but was released later that day.

The female escort accompanied the boy to hospital.

Mr Stannard said: “Luckily everybody was OK.

“We all know it as a bad spot when there’s torrential rain but it could have been a lot worse, they were very lucky.

“Nobody was travelling fast behind them so everybody slowed down and stopped before they got to the scene – but if it had been an hour earlier when it was a bit busier, it could have been worse.

“All the children were very relieved and they said Paul is a hero for saving their lives.

“They thanked him.”

The Sheppey Crossing was closed after the accident and traffic was diverted over the King’s Ferry Bridge and through Iwade. The road was re-opened at 11.20am.