A MAN escaped death when steel girders on the back of a lorry went through his van windscreen, yesterday.

The 40-year-old man was driving a transit van when it collided with a lorry at the Birtree interchange on the A1M just out side Darlington.

Inspector Alan Davidson said: "He has been incredibly lucky. He received injuries to his head and legs, but it's not life threatening. This could have been so much worse; he could have easily been decapitated."

Two fire engines from Darlington attended the accident and it took around 20 minutes to cut the man free from the van.

"He has been lucky," said Station Officer Mich Stephens. "The steel girders being carried by the lorry went straight through the van windscreen and made contact with the driver."

He was taken by ambulance to Darlington Memorial Hospital. Police investigations into the accident are ongoing. Anyone with information should contact Darlington Police on (01325) 467681.