A LORRY driver was lucky to be alive after his cab smashed into a wall in Pelham Road, Gravesend, early today.

Paramedics and fire crews battled to release the 21-year-old man and treat him at the scene after he became trapped between the cab of the furniture lorry and the wall outside two houses and just yards from a parade of shops.

It took firefighters about an hour to cut the man free. It is thought he suffered severe leg injuries. He was taken by ambulance to Darent Valley Hospital at Dartford.

One resident reported how she was awoken suddenly about 4.30am by two small bangs followed by an earth-shattering one. The incident later caused traffic chaos during the rush hour.

Thamesmead fire officer Kevin Grounds praised the professional work of the ambulance crews at the scene.

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