The husband of a driver who suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs after a head-on crash says his wife is “lucky to be alive”.

Sarahlouise Findlay was on her way home from work when her Citroen C1 collided with an Audi A3 in Rushenden Road, Rushenden.

Mrs Findlay, 49, had to be cut from her car by firefighters and taken to Medway Maritime Hospital.

Her husband of seven years, Martin, said she had suffered a number of broken ribs, a punctured lung and a broken ankle.

Mr Findlay, 50, said he was at the couple’s home in First Avenue, Rushenden, when he was told his wife had been in an accident.

“I was doing some washing up when there was a knock on the door and it was one of the neighbour’s asking if my wife had a blue car,” the father-of-three said.

“I said yes and he said ‘don’t panic, but there’s been an accident’. My mind went blank. When I got round the corner and saw her car, I thought she was dead.

“The most horrible feelings and thoughts went through my head.”

Sarahlouise had driven through the narrow part of Rushenden Road and was about to turn left into First Avenue when the crash happened at about 6.15pm last Monday.

The Audi driver reportedly fled down First Avenue. Police are investigating.

Mr Findlay, who works as a sprayer for Grupo Antolin, a car interior manufacturer in Hartlip, said a paramedic who lives on Rushenden Road came to help, adding: “Sarahlouise had a 4in gash on her ankle. The lady dressed that for her and talked to her, kept her calm until the ambulance arrived.”

Firefighters removed part of the car’s roof to free Mrs Findlay, who had to have her ankle realigned.

“She was very, very lucky,” Mr Findlay said.

He is now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

“I’d also like to say thank you to everyone who helped Sarahlouise and I on the evening and since,” he added.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mr Findlay on 07392 644644.