DONEGAL TWP — It was more than a lucky escape Wednesday evening for the driver of a car who had a large tree come crashing down on his small car traveling between Rattigan and Fenelton.

“It was very, very lucky,” said Jason Miller, assistant chief for the Chicora Volunteer Fire Department.

The tree left more than a dent on the car’s hood. The sedan was totaled, authorities said. The unidentified man, who is believed to be in his 60s, was not hurt, however.

He was traveling on Hickey Bottom Road in Donegal Township shortly before 7 p.m. during a wind-swept storm when he apparently noticed something to his periphery.

“He thought he saw a tree out of the corner of his eye,” Miller said of the driver.

The next thing the man knew, the car came to an abrupt stop, and he was looking at a lot of bark.

“The tree hit right in front of the windshield,” Miller said. “Another foot back, and it would have been a definitely different outcome.”

An ambulance crew was notified but the man was able to get out of the car himself and was unscathed. State police also were called.

A tow truck eventually removed the mangled car.

Even though the damage to the car was substantial, Miller said the driver had to salute circumstances that saved his life.

“It was his lucky day,” Miller said, “when you think about it.”