AN ELDERLY woman is lucky to be alive after a truck smashed through her living room wall, pinning her under its bonnet.

Betty Hall, 73, of Romden Road, Smarden, near Ashford, was thrown across the room and trapped under an ancient well pump after the horrific accident on Monday morning.

Miraculously, she escaped with a broken bone in her right hand and severe bruising to her body. The truck driver, John Collins, also from Smarden, had to be cut free and taken to hospital with cuts to his face. He was released from hospital later in the day.

Mrs Hall, who left Ashford's William Harvey Hospital after 12 hours in A&E said: I was in agony. It was very unnerving. My body is so bruised. t is extremely painful."

Mrs Hall's husband, Roger, was in the bedroom above the living room when the accident happened. He said: "My wife is incredibly lucky to be alive. She felt the full impact."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident. Anyone with information should call Ashford Police Station on 01233 611055.