FIREfighters had to use cutting gear to free a driver trapped in a two-coach crash.
The man, thought to be in his 30s, was trapped by his feet, but also sustained a shoulder injury. His face was cut by slivers of flying glass.
Fire Station Officer Bob Beech said the cab took the full impact of the smash, which happened as the traffic lights changed at the Oxbridge Avenue junction with Grangefield Road, Stockton, Teesside.
He said the driver was lucky to escape with the injuries he sustained.
"Bearing in mind the impact of the crash, it was only the strength of the bus which has saved him,'' said Mr Beech.
It took 15 minutes to cut the man free. He was conscious throughout and firefighters gave first aid.
The man was lifted on to a spinal injuries board and transferred to a waiting ambulance.
Two passengers from each of the two coaches, owned by Compass Royston and Stagecoach, were taken to North Tees Hospital, Stockton, suffering from whiplash and shock. Police last night appealed for any witnesses to contact them on (01642) 301558
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