THE driver of this wrecked van has told how he incredibly survived with just cuts, grazes and bruising when it crashed near York.

James Whittaker, 22, said the roof of the Vauxhall Vivaro was sliced off after it left the A64, went down an embankment and crashed into two trees.

“Apparently, the police, ambulance and firefighters didn’t expect to find me alive,” he said.

“All I suffered was a cut to my forehead, a few grazes on my legs and a bruised foot. I also cut my hand when I was trying to get out.

“I was given X-rays and a CT scan when I was taken to York Hospital and they found I had not suffered any fractures. When I look at pictures of the wreckage, I can’t believe I wasn’t more badly injured or killed.

“If there had been anyone in the passenger seat, they wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

The single-vehicle accident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning, on the westbound carriageway between Grimston Bar and the Fulford Interchange.

Firefighters, who had to cut Mr Whittaker out of the wreckage, said he was very fortunate to escape with superficial injuries.

Mr Whittaker, of Wakefield, said he couldn’t remember what happened in the accident. “I work for a courier company and was driving to York from Scarborough after making a night delivery when it happened,” he said.

“I went down an embankment and then hit a tree, which I think sliced off the roof, and I then came to a halt when I hit a second tree.

“I am very grateful to a Polish truck driver who stopped and called the police and I want to thank the emergency services for everything they did.

“I also want to stress the importance of wearing a seat belt. If I hadn’t been wearing one, I wouldn’t be here today.”