A driver had a lucky escape after her car smashed into a tree and careered 75 yards down the road before stopping.
The accident happened as the woman drove along Haven Road, Canvey.
Fire crews from Canvey were called after smoke began to come from the car as the battery began to spark.
A spokesman said: "The battery was arcing where it was making contact with the bodywork on the vehicle."
There was no-one in the vehicle when police arrived.
A police spokesman said: "The owner of the vehicle turned up and said his wife had had it earlier."
Published Thursday November 14, 2002
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