DRIVER TELLS OF CLIFF PLUNGE MIRACLE

Isle of Wight County Press ^ | Nov 24, 2006 | By Lorraine Parker

[Irisshlass]

From his hospital ward, Terry Flynn, 71, told how on Monday evening, while driving to see his stepson, his automatic Corsa left the Military Road, ploughed across a field and over the cliff near Compton Farm, Brook. The former antiques dealer and window cleaner, of The Brambles, Freshwater, amazed rescuers when he walked away from his wrecked car with just cuts and bruises after losing control when swerving to avoid an animal. "It might have been a badger. I swerved and got stuck in the mud," said Mr Flynn. "I was shunting backwards and forwards, then I put the car in reverse and went straight over." Mr Flynn said he could not find his mobile phone to raise the alarm and thought he would be stuck all night. He said: "I thought 'this is ridiculous'. I didn't realise I was going over. "All I then remember was hitting things on the way down and an almighty crash. "It happened so quickly I didn't have time to think I would die," he said. "I want to apologise to everybody for being a fool. I'm so embarrassed." Mr Flynn said he could not get out of the vehicle because the roof had caved in and was only released when rescuers arrived. He was winched up the cliff, followed by his rescuers, who themselves became trapped by the tide. Police, fire brigade, ambulance, Needles Coastal Rescue Team and the coastguard helicopter all joined in the rescue. Mr Flynn said: "Everyone got there so quickly, I couldn't believe how efficient they were. They've been terrific." He said did not know when he would be able to go home but still ached. "Everyone tells me how lucky I am and I know that. "Hopefully, I won't be doing anything like that again." Mr Flynn revealed he had a strange premonition hours before when a picture of a black cat fell off a wall in front of him. He said: "It fell off for no reason. "The hook didn't break, the glass just smashed when it landed. I never believed in all that before but now I'm thinking 'Oh, my God, it was an omen,'" said Mr Flynn. To add to the coincidence, the man who informed emergency services after seeing the car stuck in the mud but oblivious to whom it belonged, was Mr Flynn's stepson, Andy Baldwin. Mr Baldwin, 54, of Godshill, only realised it was his stepdad when he called his mobile and was told by a rescuer to phone St Mary's Hospital. He said: "He is a very lucky man. To get out of that car alive is one thing, let alone without any major injuries. If he were a cat, he would only have eight lives left."

[RedRover]

Incredible story. The moral is beware of omens. Somebody, somewhere, may be trying to give you a nudge.

[Freedom4US]

Well maybe that, and don't swerve for critters.

[Irisshlass]

Last thing I would own is a picture of a black cat and hang it up on the wall. lol

[RedRover]

Yes, that would be lesson two!

[Irisshlass]

I thought this was wild..

To add to the coincidence, the man who informed emergency services after seeing the car stuck in the mud but oblivious to whom it belonged, was Mr Flynn's stepson, Andy Baldwin

[RedRover]

Former antiques dealers and window cleaners do strange things!

[BunnySlippers]

And I even OWNED a black cat and am here to tell the tale. :)

[Irisshlass]

Do tell!

[RedRover]

Loved it! Thanks for posting!

[BunnySlippers]

... however my two chihuahuas, Fidel & Charo, may do me in.

[Irisshlass]

Your welcome Red! :)

[I see my hands]

"Somebody, somewhere, may be trying to give you a nudge."

Oo la la!

[Irisshlass]

however my two chihuahuas, Fidel & Charo, may do me in.

My sister in law has a chichuahua..her name is Lucy, but we call her Lucifier..she kill me if she knew that. LOL

I bet yours are adorable though. :) They are sweet dogs but smart and can read you like a book! LOL

[Freedom4US]

I can't help but be reminded of something that happened to me a few years ago on a highway very near the turnoff to a lonely stretch of 50 mile highway leading to a Utah national park (everyone is tired, and ready to get to their destination). Eventually though, these clowns in some tin-can come up on my ass. I wasn't playing slo-poke - about 75ish but I also know that Utah troopers don't give much latitude either, and 70-75 is plenty for curvy, hilly two lane. An 18 wheeler sidles up behind *him*.. The park will still be there, when we get there. If we get there.

I swear, right then - on purpose - a chipmunk or small squirrel ran out in the middle of the road right in front of my car - semi-mischievously again, I was convinced at that moment, I didn't even flinch, and this critter knew enough to avoid the wheels.

I watched the rear view mirror - sure enough, the 2nd car swerves, and hard, nearly losing control - with 90,000 lbs or unstoppable tractor-trailer right on his tail. Now I like cute critters as much as the next guy, but let's put our thinking caps on now and then!

[AmeriBrit]

Thankyou! That's my father's local newspaper. I enjoyed reading it.

[AmeriBrit]

Thankyou! That's my father's local newspaper. I enjoyed reading it.

[Irisshlass]

You are very welcome. :)

[perfect stranger]

Well then I must be positively doomed. This picture I took of my black cat patrolling the roof of my former home is the background on all six of my computers.

LOL

[Irisshlass]

Get some Holy Water fast! LOL