A WOMAN is in a critical condition in hospital after a car in which she was a passenger crashed into railings.

The 74-year-old woman suffered serious leg injuries when she was impaled on fencing.

The incident happened at about 1.30pm on Tuesday. Emergency crews were called to the railway bridge on Canterbury Road, Westbrook, near Margate, where a Skoda Favorit had collided with the railings, near the junction with Westbrook Avenue.

Firefighters used hydraulic equipment to cut the woman free. She was airlifted by the Kent air ambulance to Margate's Queen Mother Hospital by where she remains in a critical condition in intensive care.

Her 78-year-old husband, who was driving the car, was taken to hospital by road ambulance. His condition is not thought to be serious.

The incident is being investigated by Kent Police’s Serious Crash Investigation Unit.

Witnesses are asked to telephone 01622 600970.