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Emergency services mounted a swift and dramatic rescue operation this morning, 3 November, following a serious two-vehicle collision on the A299 near St Nicholas at Wade, close to Birchington.
The incident, which occurred just before 9:35 AM, prompted a major response from Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) and the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb). Four fire engines were rapidly dispatched to the scene in the Thanet district. Crews immediately deployed hydraulic cutting equipment, commonly known as the ‘Jaws of Life,’ to free a person trapped inside one of the vehicles.
The trapped casualty was successfully freed by KFRS personnel after a concerted effort that lasted over an hour, with the operation concluding around 10:40 AM.
“One person was passed into the care of the South East Coast Ambulance crew,” a KFRS spokesperson confirmed. Details regarding the extent of the individual’s injuries have not been released, but the person received immediate attention from the ambulance service at the scene.
Traffic was significantly affected in the area while emergency teams worked to secure the site and attend to the casualties. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.