Warning: Graphic Content
A motorist narrowly escaped death after a 10kg tow bar smashed through his windscreen while he was driving, leaving him with a bloody gash across his head.
Jonathan Loates was travelling along a 40mph stretch of road in Nottinghamshire during rush hour when the large metal block, which is believed to have fallen from another vehicle, crashed through his window.
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Despite moving his head out of the way, the tow bar ripped across his temple.
Luckily, Jonathan managed to pull over to the side of the road before collapsing to the ground by the A619 near Worksop on 9 January.
Another driver quickly stopped and helped cover his wound before an ambulance arrived at the scene and rush him to hospital, where he required 100 stitches.
Police say that had Jonathan not ducked out of the way, he may have been decapitated.
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Speaking about the harrowing ordeal, he said: "As I got to the brow of the hill I saw something in the road - I thought it was a bit of wood or some rubbish.
"I went to go round it to the left and the next thing I know there was a massive bang. I can't really remember what happened after that.
"I don't know if it knocked me out or I blacked out but the next thing I remember was getting out with my head pouring with blood.
"I'm lucky it didn't hit me straight in the head because it would have taken my head off."
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Adding: "The scar is going to be visible for the rest of my life."
Jonathan, a recruitment consultant, also thanked the driver who stopped to help him, as well as an off-duty trainee paramedic who provided first aid at the roadside.
He was initially taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, but was later transferred to a specialist head injury unit in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, where he spent more than three hours in surgery.
The authorities believe the tow bar fell from another vehicle and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have dash-cam footage to come forward.
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Jonathan had been driving on the A619 Chesterfield Road, between Darfoulds nursery and the island heading towards Worksop (A60).
PC Anthony Brice of Nottinghamshire Police said he believed the tow bar had fallen off a long wheel base van like a Transit or a 4x4 or from the back of a scrap van.
He added: "He's lucky to be alive. He moved his head a few inches to the side and that saved his life - simple as that."
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PC Brice also urged anyone with tow bars on their vehicle to ensure they are attached securely to prevent similar incidents, as cold weather can cause metal to contract and become loose.
Anyone who information is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 642 of 9 January 2020.
Featured Image Credit: SWNSTopics: UK News, Interesting