A woman who emerged unscathed from a terrifying car accident in Chigwell has said she is lucky to be alive.

Ilford Recorder: Janet Neville who recently had a serious car crash in ChigwellJanet Neville who recently had a serious car crash in Chigwell (Image: Archant)

Janet Neville, 65, was unhurt when her vehicle spun out of control last month and landed upside down on an embankment.

The damage caused to her car has led to it being completely written off.

Ms Neville, of Collier Row, said: “I am finding it hard to believe I am alive really. I could have been killed or now be in a wheelchair.

“Everyone is totally shocked that I have no injuries.”

The accident occurred when she was driving along Gravel Lane in Chigwell.

She said: “I was travelling in torrential rain. I turned a bend and the wheels of my car started to slide like it was on an ice skating rink.

“It was sliding towards houses; I could see all the brick walls coming towards me.

“I turned the wheel rapidly in the other direction and slammed my foot on the brakes. It is a narrow lane so the car shot up the embankment and landed upside down.”

The vehicle took down a fence and a small tree.

Ms Neville, who has four children – Michael, David, Lucy and Annie – could only remain “hanging” off her seatbelt until residents called emergency services.

She was taken home without needing treatment.

Ms Neville thinks the accident was caused by mud sliding down the embankment and coating her tyres.

“I shall never travel down that road again,” she said, “Unless they widen it or put concrete kerbs there.

“I am still having flashbacks and I am very stressed about it; I could have had a child in the passenger seat.

“I honestly thought I would die.”