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."

[BunnySlippers]

[Irisshlass]

Ahhhh! LOL What a dual! I can tell you have fun! I love it!

[perfect stranger]

I think that pic is so funny.