FIREFIGHTERS say a motorist is lucky to be alive after almost being impaled on a railing following a road accident.

The 63-year-old man escaped death by just a few millimetres when his car careered off the road at Bartons Point, Marine Parade, Sheerness.

The red Nissan was travelling towards Sheerness when it hit railings on the opposite side of the carriageway, struck the concrete sea wall and landed on its roof.

A spike from the railings pierced right through the car, coming out of its dashboard near the driver’s side.

Firefighters used hydraulic cutting equipment to free the victim before transferring him to a spinal long board where he received first-aid treatment from the crew while they waited for paramedics to arrive.

The man was then airlifted to hospital where he was treated for head and other injuries. It is understood he was released after some 48 hours. No other vehicle was involved.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “He is a very lucky guy. One of the spikes of the railings came up through the dashboard of the car and missed him by millimetres."

Were you the motorist involved or do you know him? Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheerness Times Guardian on 01795 580300.