A DRIVER said he feels lucky to be alive after his cement lorry overturned in a dramatic crash.

Emergency services cut David Phillips out of the 32-ton lorry after it smashed onto to its side on Thursday, and he escaped with just a few cuts and bruises.

ALSO READ: Fire crews cut car roof to free trapped person

Mr Phillips, from Wantage, said: "It could have been a lot worse and I’m glad that no-one else was hurt, it was very scary.

"The seat belt stopped me from falling out - it saved my life. I’m very lucky.

"I would like to apologise to the local people for the chaos I caused on the roads that morning. It does show how important it is to wear your seatbelt."

Oxford Mail:

Pic: Dave Cox

The 47-year-old crashed the lorry on a slip road on the A419 in Swindon, and police closed one lane for about five hours from 9am. 

Two crews of firefighters raced to the scene to rescue Mr Phillips from the cab, while two recovery vehicles helped to right the lorry.

ALSO READ: Police can't get CCTV due to 'data protection' 

Mr Phillips added: "Thank you to the emergency services for getting me out and making sure I was okay.

"They had to cut me out but checked me before I was moved and then, with their assistance, I was able to climb out through the windscreen area that the rescue crews had removed."

Oxford Mail:

Cuts sustained by Mr Phillips in the crash

Sam Legg-Bagg, manager of Stratton fire station in Swindon, assisted firefighters at the scene.

He said: "When I arrived, paramedics, police and fire crews were already at the scene, it was good to see such a quick presence.

"The tricky thing with the vehicle being on its side was figuring out how to get access to the driver and carry out a thorough assessment.

Oxford Mail:

Pic: Dave Cox

"Working with paramedics, we got someone in through the sunroof and, after carrying out the assessment, removed the windscreen."

ALSO READ: Off-duty officer saves man's life at golf course

He said he was pleased to have good feedback and compliments for their role in the rescue. 

Mr Phillips recalled the moments leading up to the cement lorry lurching to one side and crashing to the ground.

Oxford Mail:

Pic: Dave Cox

He added: "I was in the near-side line going onto the slip road to deliver cement to Blunsdon [in Swindon], but it never made it there.

"I took the corner a bit wide and noticed a car in the other lane, so I turned the wheel away from it but over-steered, felt the lorry tip slightly and the cement in the back did the rest.

"It was an error of judgement on my part and I’m thankful to the driver of the other vehicle for calling 999."