Driver speaks out after horror crash in Colchester

Kim Harker, 47, was travelling down Berechurch Hall Road, in Colchester, on Saturday, while on her way to the Harvester with friend Mandy Crimes.

All of a sudden, at about 6.40pm, the pair were involved in a serious smash with another vehicle, prompting police, firefighters and paramedics to race to the scene.

The Gazette understands an air ambulance was also deployed to the area as a precaution but ultimately did not have to be used.

Kim, who with Mandy suffered severe bruising due to the crash and the seatbelts which she believes saved their lives, has now reflected on the terrifying ordeal.

“I thought my car had rolled and I was stunned when we stopped, I panicked and was frightened because I thought it would blow-up with us in it,” added Kim.

“We could not get out because the doors would not open but then a witness called Jaigo stepped up and pulled open the door to help us – he thought we were dead.

“Strangely, since then my mum has realised she had seen Jaigo’s mum that same day in a shop in town and my son also realised he went to school with him.”

• Read more >> Calls for improved safety measures as four people end up in hospital after crash

Both Kim and Mandy were subsequently taken to hospital for further treatment, in addition to two others, before being released during the early hours of Sunday.

Since then, the friends have been left temporarily immobile but are now slowly recovering in the comfort of their own homes.

Kim said: “We are hopefully we will get better as each day passes and we are both incredibly grateful to be alive.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to Jaigo, the general public who stopped to help all of us and the fire crew who were so calming in such a hysterical situation.

“Also, the police and ambulance crew, and all the doctors, nurses and staff in resuscitation who helped us both.”

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to call Essex Police on 101 and quote incident number 1070 of May 7.