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Maidstone driver shunted along M20 sideways after crash with lorry

09:33, 27 November 2018

updated: 10:22, 27 November 2018

Shocking footage has captured the moment a driver was shunted sideways along the M20 when his car was struck by a lorry.

Michael Reynolds was driving back from Gatwick on the coastbound carriageway between Junctions 5 and 4 when he ended up facing the barriers.

It wasn't until the 65-year-old saw the lorry's logo that he realised his Toyota Aygo was being pushed along the motorway while sat horizontally.

Michael Reynolds was facing the barrier as his car was pushed along the M20
Michael Reynolds was facing the barrier as his car was pushed along the M20

Mr Reynolds, from Downswood, said: "I was driving along in the middle lane and there was a Polish lorry doing 50mph. I was three quarters of the way past it when it started drifting into my lane.

"It drifted back again and I accelerated to get past it. It just started drifting out again as I was passing it and it caught my car and spun me around.

"I was looking at the concrete barrier separating the workmen and I was wondering why the accelerator or steering wheel wasn't working.

The terrifying incident with the lorry left Michael Reynolds's car with significant damage
The terrifying incident with the lorry left Michael Reynolds's car with significant damage

"After 30 seconds I looked to my left and saw 'Scania' and I realised the lorry was pushing me along for more than a mile.

"When I saw it I thought 'this it is; I'm going to die'."

Video: Taz Mumtaz

Mr Reynolds, a computer technician, was thankful for a driver who moved to the front of the traffic and put on their hazards to bring the motorway to a standstill.

His car has suffered serious denting to the side doors while the tyres have been burnt out.

The terrifying incident with the lorry left Michael Reynolds's car with significant damage
The terrifying incident with the lorry left Michael Reynolds's car with significant damage

Work is currently under way to upgrade the M20 to a smart motorway and a 50mph speed limit is in place as well as narrow lanes.

This accident, which took place on Wednesday, November 13, was the fifth major incident to take place on this stretch of road in November alone.

Mr Reynolds added: "The tyres were all burning, if the car in front hadn't stopped the lorry they could have set alight or burst and then crushed me."

Highways officials helped recover the vehicles involved and insurance details were exchanged, but Mr Reynolds was appalled by the actions of those who drove past the scene.

He said: "What shocked me as well was the number of people who were delayed that shouted at us as they drove past. There must have been at least half a dozen."

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