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Driver survives 200ft cliff crash 'Miracle' man survives 200ft fall
(30 minutes later)
A man has been taken to hospital after his car plunged over a 200ft (61m) cliff in north Devon. A driver "miraculously" escaped alive after his car plunged over a 200ft (61m) cliff in north Devon, coastguards have said.
The man was airlifted from the car at Hartland Quay at about 0500 BST by a coastguard helicopter.The man was airlifted from the car at Hartland Quay at about 0500 BST by a coastguard helicopter.
He is being treated at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple. The extent of his injuries has not yet been revealed. He is being treated at North Devon District Hospital. The extent of his injuries has not yet been revealed.
Swansea coastguards said they were uncertain about why the car went over the cliff.Swansea coastguards said they were uncertain about why the car went over the cliff.
Steve Jones, Watch Manager of Swansea Coastguard said: "It's miraculous that the occupant was found alive in the car and was talking to coastguards.
"It beggars belief. I think he is very lucky to be alive this morning."
Rescuers loweredRescuers lowered
Hartland and Westward Ho! Coastguard Rescue Teams found the car on the beach below the cliffs at 0524 BST.Hartland and Westward Ho! Coastguard Rescue Teams found the car on the beach below the cliffs at 0524 BST.
Lights and equipment were set up on scene and the fire service was called to help. A rescue helicopter was also scrambled along with an ambulance. Lights and equipment were set up on scene and the fire service was called to help.
A rescue helicopter was also scrambled along with an ambulance.
Two coastguard cliff rescuers were placed on a line and lowered to the site of the car, where they found a man inside alive.Two coastguard cliff rescuers were placed on a line and lowered to the site of the car, where they found a man inside alive.
A winchman was lowered onto the beach from the helicopter and the injured man was taken to hospital.A winchman was lowered onto the beach from the helicopter and the injured man was taken to hospital.
Steve Jones, Watch Manager of Swansea Coastguard said: "The single occupant was alive when extracted from the car and able to communicate with our rescue team. Mr Jones said: "Fortunately the weather was benign this morning which helped the extraction.
"Fortunately the weather was benign this morning which helped the extraction.
"The car is in no danger of being overtaken by the tide and a plan will be drawn up on how to remove the vehicle from its present position.""The car is in no danger of being overtaken by the tide and a plan will be drawn up on how to remove the vehicle from its present position."