Woman thanks emergency services after serious road traffic collision

Annette Kaye was seriously injured following the incident at Kinninvie junction, near Barnard Castle, on October 13.

 

Ms Kaye, 62, said her car was flung into the air when her Audi collided with a BMW before hitting a house at a height of four-to-five feet and finally coming to a stop about 20 metres down the road.

 

“The impact, coming completely out of the blue, felt like being violently propelled into an alternate reality,” she said. “Instead of driving on to Darlington, my world had changed radically - I knew it immediately. It was like being in a sci-fi movie, being sucked into a vortex, or a time traveller being sucked into a different life and time."

 

The emergency services including police, North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service and Great North Air Ambulance Service raced to the scene to treat Ms Kaye who has suffered significant injuries including a fractured sacrum and snapped humerus.

 

He partner, Julian Maddock, was also notified by officers and travelled to the scene from the couple’s home in Middleton-in-Teesdale.

 

“It was horrific and I was in a lot of distress but I was very aware of everyone taking care of us,” he said. “They were essentially having to dismantle the car and I was in shock but also conscious of all the emergency services working to help Annette.”

 

He added: “They were really considerate and kept me informed with what was happening. The motorcycle officer was really kind and one police constable also came up to me and asked if I was ok.”

 

Ms Kaye was flown to James Cook University Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery and spent a week in hospital.

 

She is now recovering at home and said she wanted to thank everyone who helped her that day as well as the community who have rallied round.

 

“I’m so grateful and I can’t believe how lucky I’ve been,” she said. “I feel lucky to be here and I want to thank everyone who has helped me.”

 

The driver of the BMW, a 35-year-old man, was not injured and remains under investigation following the collision.

 

Ms Kaye is also continuing to be supported by the force including DC Katie Warren, who is leading the investigation.

 

She said: “We are so pleased that Annette is recovering and making great progress at home.

 

“We will continue to support her and our investigation is ongoing into the circumstances of the collision.

 

“We’d also like to take this opportunity to remind all drivers to remain vigilant and drive with extra care especially when travelling on our rural roads.”