TWO teenagers had an astonishing escape when their car split in half after smashing into a telegraph pole.

Both the driver and his passenger -- who were catapulted out of the wreckage of the car last night -- escaped with minor injuries.

The driver of the Escort is believed to have lost control after driving through heavy surface water on Manchester Road, Over Hulton. The two men were thrown out of the car when it split into two on impact.

And today the driver's father claimed he had warned his son not to drive the car.

Firefighters who attended the accident said the car had split apart from side to side "as if on a hinge".

Driver Christian Mojsej, aged 19, of Paulhan Street, Great Lever, suffered slight head injuries and general bruising and left hospital after treatment.

Passenger David Jones, 18, of Arthur Street, Little Lever, suffered general bruising and abrasions.

He is recovering at the Royal Bolton Hospital and is expected to be detained for another couple of days.

A firefighter said: "It ended so the front and the back of the vehicle both faced the same way."

Christian's father Ivan Mojsej said: "I can't believe Christian has done this.

"When he bought the car I told him not to drive it and to ring the nearest scrapyard because it was in such a bad state. I could kick myself now that I didn't take the keys off him."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, which happened at about 8.45pm, near the junction with Newland Drive, to call them on 0161 856 5972.

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