TWO people had a miracle escape when their car was crushed in a collision with a refuse truck.

Fire crews and medics worked for nearly an hour to free the driver and passenger from the mangled wreckage.

Drivers faced traffic chaos during this morning's rush hour following the 7am accident at Golding Lane, Mannings Heath, near Horsham.

Police sealed off both carriageways for more than three hours.

Fire crews from Horsham and the heavy rescue tender from Crawley worked for an hour to free the driver and his passenger while two paramedics and a doctor stood by.

The 43-year-old driver and his 30-year-old woman passenger were taken to the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, but their injuries are not believed to be serious.

The driver of the truck, who was working for Horsham Council was shocked but escaped uninjured.

The road remained closed while the truck and car were towed away and the street cleared.

A police spokesman said: "The people in the car had a very lucky escape.

"We are still trying to establish the exact circumstances of the accident and would ask any witnesses to contact us.

"We would like to thank drivers in the area for the patience they have shown when we had to close the road."

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