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Driver escapes with minor injuries following crash

Emergency services were called to the M40 this afternoon Credit: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

A driver managed to escape with minor injuries following a crash on the M40 in Oxfordshire.

Emergency services were called to the stretch of motorway between junction 11 at Banbury and Junction 12 at Gaydon.

Crews found debris from the crash spanning 25 metres from the hard shoulder across the embankment, including a wooden electricity pole that had been snapped in half.

An electricity pole had snapped in half during the crash Credit: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

“When I first saw the van I was very concerned as to the state that we might find any of the occupants. I am astounded that the driver has escaped this incident with relatively minor injuries.

"It looks like the van has gone airborne as it got to the top of the embankment, hit the power lines that are carrying electricity at 11,000Volts, and then came crashing back down to earth rolling several times before coming to rest.

"The amount of tools that were thrown out of the vehicle just shows how important it is to secure any load, as even the smallest of items in a car or van can become a lethal projectile in the event of a crash."

– Station Manager David Bray