M1 Fall: Paramedics Amazed

16 April 2012, 11:06 | Updated: 16 April 2012, 11:11

Paramedics say it's amazing a driver whose van plunged 40ft off the M1 near Watford onto a road below escaped with only minor injuries.

The van crashed through safety barriers at Junction 6 just before 1pm on Saturday 14 April 2012, onto to junction between Chequers Lane and the A405 North Orbital Road linking Watford and St Albans.

The van landed on its side and Hertfordshire's Fire Service were called out to free the man, who was in twenties.

The driver was taken to Watford General Hospital by ambulance, but we're told he had only suffered minor injuries.

An air ambulance was also called to the scene but it was not needed to transport the patient.

The East of England Ambulance Service say they received several 999 calls about the crash.  Ambulance crews from Garston, Hemel Hempstead and the Essex Air Ambulance attended the scene.

Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “On our arrival it was evident the van had fallen approximately 40 feet onto the A405 below the motorway near to High Elms Lane and the van was completely crushed.”

Gary added: “Due to the nature of the call, the Essex Air Ambulance was dispatched to the scene and landed in a nearby field. Amazingly a man received slight injuries and following treatment by land and air crews, he was taken by land to Watford General Hospital for further care."