Driving Instructor Recounts Survival After Tree Crash in Peterborough

Colin Jones, a driving instructor, expressed feeling like the “luckiest person in Peterborough” following his survival of an accident involving a falling tree. The incident occurred on Bretton Way when Mr. Jones performed an emergency stop to evade the tree, which was brought down by high winds from Storm Darragh, reaching gusts of up to 55mph in the city over the weekend. Subsequently, another vehicle collided with the rear of Mr. Jones’ car, propelling it into the tree. Mr. Jones, who suffered minor injuries, stated that if his timing had been off by merely a second or two, the tree would have struck him directly. He further commented: “Fortunately my reaction speeds and hitting the breaks protected both of us [him and the other motorist].” The fallen tree, which also toppled a lamppost, rendered the road impassable. Mr. Jones, whose car is essential for his profession, speculated that the vehicle might be a total loss but remarked that it was “wonderful” that it had preserved his life. He conveyed to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: “I’m very fortunate,” adding, “I have a little bit of soft tissue damage, but other than that I’m absolutely fine and just grateful. I’m about the luckiest person in Peterborough because it could have been a lot worse…a second or two and it could have been a different story.” Mr. Jones also mentioned that this event would lead to him commencing an early Christmas break from his employment. Peterborough police responded to multiple incidents linked to Storm Darragh throughout the weekend. They documented a collision involving a fallen tree on Eastern Avenue, Dogsthorpe, and received reports concerning a partially fallen tree obstructing half of Stirling Way, Bretton. Additionally, reports included a large tree falling onto a car in Westhawe, Bretton, and further calls about a vehicle striking a fallen lamppost. Another tree also came down on a car in Thorpe Wood, Longthorpe. A police spokesperson advised: “While out on the roads, if you see anything that may cause harm to road users, please report it to us and help us in making the roads a safer place.” For updates on Peterborough news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.