Lucky to be alive

Darren Worden was taken to Worthing Hospital unconscious with a fractured pelvis, two cracked ribs and cuts and bruises after the collision in Broadwater Road on Sunday afternoon. Two firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Speaking exclusively to the Herald from his hospital bed, Mr Worden, 21, said: "The police told me if it hadn't been for the engine driver's quick reactions I would be dead. Now, I just feel relieved I'm still here. I was fortunate to get away with just these injuries."

The accident took place at the junction of Cecilian Avenue and Northcourt Road as Worthing firefighters went to a car crash in Heene Road after receiving incorrect reports that a driver was trapped.

Witnesses said the white Ford Transit van Mr Worden was driving ended up on the other side of Broadwater Road and smashed into the central reservation metal railings.

Mr Worden, from Somerset, who was visiting his sister in Worthing, said: "I was on my way back from Halfords at Lyons Farm. I remember turning into Beaumont Road but that's all. My memory goes blank about a minute before the accident."

Doctors have told Mr Worden he would take up to eight weeks to recover.

He said: "I want to thank the staff here at the hospital, the ambulance crew who got me here and the fire crew who got me free.

"It was strange how my sister found out," he added. "She was coming along Broadwater Road and saw the blue flashing lights, so she took an early turning to avoid all the chaos.

"But when she got home and I wasn't there, she called my mobile and an ambulance driver answered."

Firefighters helped free Mr Worden, who was trapped inside his vehicle.

Another fire crew was sent to the crash in Heene Road, while firefighters from Worthing and Findon attended the smash in Broadwater Road.

Josh O'Sullivan, 43, who watched the drama from his high-rise kitchen window in Northcourt Road, said: "I just heard an almighty smash. There was a screech of brakes and a huge wallop. It was a pretty spectacular smash."

Police closed the road for more than four hours while the wreckage from both vehicles was cleared.

An investigation into the accident is already underway.