A COUPLE told how they feel ‘lucky to be alive’ after they narrowly avoided two vehicles dangerously spinning out of control on the M62.

David Venner, 40, and Laura Whitaker, 29, were travelling in a Ford Focus on the M62 near Ainley Top on Saturday when the crash happened yards in front of them.

The couple told the Examiner how they watched in horror after a BMW X5 overtook them in the outside lane before spinning out of control, hitting a Ford Ka and crashing into a barrier before being hit by a falling lamp-post.

A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving in connection with the crash.

Thousands were caught up in the aftermath, as police shut the motorway for several hours on Saturday.

Miss Whitaker, who lives in Bradford, said: “We were in the middle lane and it was torrential rain.

“We were doing about 70mph when a BMW X5 overtook us in the outside lane.

“Next thing we knew it was spinning across all three lanes and hit a Ford Ka.

“Both vehicles then spun into the hard shoulder but the BMW came to rest balanced on the crash barrier.

“Then a lamppost fell on top of it.

“It was horrific.

“If we had been a few yards closer we would have been in the crash.

“We feel lucky to be alive. I was really shaken afterwards. I kept seeing the cars spinning in front of us. I am so glad my daughter wasn’t with us.”

The couple stopped their car and Miss Whitaker went to help others.