Skydiver plunges 12,000ft, smashes into van

A BRITISH skydiver is lucky to be alive after surviving a 12,000ft plunge to earth before smashing into a van at a speed of nearly 65 kilometres.

Ben Coick lost control of his parachute due to a faulty steering toggle when he attempted the jump in Fiji last week.

Ben Coick"s arm was in such a state after the accident it needed ‘literal support". Source: Facebook

The skydiver, who has jumped out of a plane at least 1000 times, broke his leg in three places, broke an arm, shattered an elbow, and had numerous cuts and bruises.

But while the experienced 31-year-old survived the epic fall, he jumped without insurance and was forced to pay nearly AU$37,500 in medical fees upfront before undergoing emergency treatment in New Zealand.

Friends of Mr Coick, pictured here during a skydive, said the ordeal was ‘pretty scary". Source: Facebook

There was conce Mr Coick would lose his leg due to infection if the procedure was not performed quickly.

Thankfully, a Facebook page set up to help raise funds for Mr Coick has far surpassed the amount required, with friends, family and strangers all donating to the father-of-one's cause.

So far the family has raised more than AU$56,000.

Mr Coick has undergone two surgeries - on his leg and arm and shattered elbow. His arm required \"30 screws and some plates. It's a bionic arm,\" his cousin Ben wrote on Facebook.

\"He's in absolute agony but we're just hoping for the best,\" he told the South Wales Evening Post.

Mr Coick is expected to remain in hospital for the next three weeks. His son Alfie was bo last month.

To follow Ben Coick's progress or donate, visit Ben Coick's Donation Page on Facebook.

Mr Coick was sent to New Zealand to undergo emergency treatment. Source: Supplied