A YOUNG motorist involved in a multiple motorway pile-up claims a lorry driver involved in the accident failed to stop.

Scott Baker, 20, of Broadoak Avenue, Loose, Maidstone, says he was lucky to escape with his life following the crash on the M26.

Mr Baker, who works as a car paint sprayer, was driving towards the M25 between Wrotham and Westerham when the accident occurred at 5.30am on Wednesday.

Mr Baker said as he overtook the lorry, it began to move over, crushing his father's Honda Civic repeatedly against the central reservation.

"I was in the outside lane overtaking the lorry and as I came just alongside him he just decided to pull out," Mr Baker said. "I was already next to him so I started beeping my horn but he didn't pay any attention.

"He just crashed straight into my car. I hit the barrier and my car was bouncing off the lorry. I spun round and somehow the car's battery disconnected and the lights went off. I thought that was it."

Mr Baker's car was then hit by a Ford Escort before being struck by two more cars. A black BMW was also involved in the pile-up.

Only Mr Baker was injured. He was taken to Maidstone Hospital suffering with spinal injuries and whiplash. He has since returned home but will be off work for at least a week.

"I feel very lucky to be alive," he said. "But I cannot believe that lorry driver didn't realise what had happened. He never stopped. I was also appalled that after the accident several people shouted abuse at me when they drove past. One even swore."

Kent Police are investigating the cause of the accident. Once officers receive formal statements from the drivers involved they will attempt to trace and question the lorry driver.

Failing to stop at the scene of an accident carries a maximum of six months' imprisonment and a £5,000 fine.