Man saved from car crash seconds before it falls 20ft

The crash left the Vauxhall Corsa in a precarious position balancing on a wall upside down above a canal with driver Paul Collins, 26, still inside.

People rushed to Mr Collin’s aid and held the car steady so he could make his escape after the accident in Copley, Halifax, at 8am on Wednesday.

Seconds after he was free the car plummeted 20ft on to a bank next to the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

Mr Collins, of Copley, who was going to work when the incident occurred, said: “I couldn’t open my door to get out.

“People were holding the back end of the car down so I could get into the back and out of the passenger door.

“Seconds later it fell over the wall, at least a 15ft drop on the other side.”

Mr Collins, who suffered only slight injuries, said: “I want to say thank you to the people who helped me, for keeping me calm and for getting me out. It’s lucky I managed to escape or I wouldn’t be here.”

Police say they would like to find the people who helped by clinging on to the car so they can send them letters of appreciation for their brave actions.