A MAN was critically hurt in a moorland crash.
But another had a miraculous escape when their Subaru Impreza left a rural road, smashed through a fence and careered down a steep banking into the bottom of a ravine.
The car is thought to have somersaulted several times as it plunged down the drop off Rochdale Road in Ripponden just before 10 last night.
The crash happened close to Baitings Dam.
The car came to rest on its wheels in a stream at the foot of the deep ravine.
Miraculously the driver scrambled clear with minor injuries and managed to clamber to the top of the banking to summon help.
A specialist rope rescue team from Elland fire station joined Halifax crews at the scene.
They also called in Calder Valley Search And Rescue team to help get the badly hurt man to the top of the banking.
Station Officer Robin Ward, of Halifax fire station, said: "There were two young men in the car and one was incredibly lucky to escape with slight injuries.
"The other was badly hurt and still in the car when we arrived.
"Paramedics worked to stabilise him and we cut the roof off.
"He was then lifted clear and put on to Calder Valley Search And Rescue Team's stretcher and hauled up the banking on a rope system set up by Elland firefighters."
The man, who was a front seat passenger, was taken to Calderdale Royal Hospital where his condition overnight was said to be critical.
Both men, whose names were not released, come from the Rochdale area and were travelling towards Halifax when the accident happened.
Sub-officer Rodger Binns, of Elland fire station, said: "We are a specialist rope rescue team, but were called out anyway to the road accident to give Halifax back-up.
"The car was so badly damaged it was unrecognisable. We immediately knew our rope rescue skills would be needed to get the casualty up the banking."
Rochdale Road was sealed off for several hours.
