Pair escape from river crash car

Police are investigating the accident

A Devon driver had a lucky escape after an accident left her car overturned in a fast-flowing river and her head under the water.

Gloria Rogers, 58, lost control of her Vauxhall Frontera and crashed through the parapet of a bridge at Avonwick near Totnes.

The car landed 25ft down in the rain-swollen river with Mrs Rogers trapped in the driver's seat.

She was released when her passenger pulled her free.

Head submerged

Mrs Rogers was driving with friend Billy Johnson, 43, early on Thursday when she lost control.

She said: "I misjudged the bridge and went into a skid. The next thing I knew we had hit the bridge and were in the water."

She said Mr Johnson's swift action saved her life.

"My head was submerged in 4ft of water, but I managed to get my seatbelt off and lift my body clear of the water. There was just enough space to breathe.

"Then Billy pulled me out from his side of the car. I would not be here now if not for him."

The pair alerted police who breathalysed Mrs Rogers and gave her the all-clear before the couple were treated in hospital for cuts and bruises.

Mr Johnson said: "After the impact I thought 'That's it'. I did not think I was going to get out of it. It scares me to think about it now.

"I have a phobia of water, and I didn't know how deep the river was, but my only thought was to drag Gloria clear."

After pulling her from the car the pair escaped by clambering up a ladder left by road workers.

"It was Biblical," said Mr Johnson. "It was standing there like a shining light."

Traffic was diverted from the bridge on Friday while the Frontera was removed from the river.

Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating the accident.