The injured driver of a car that plunged down a cliff on a popular NSW beach has been refused bail in a bedside hearing.
A mother and her baby were lucky to escape with their lives on Thursday morning when a Volkswagen Golf drove off a cliff and landed on Newcastle's Bar Beach.
The 40-year-old mother, who was on the beach below the cliff, was hit by the car and suffered a serious leg injury.
Police clarified on Friday her 18-month-old child narrowly avoided being struck, escaping with a minor head injury and scratches.
The driver, a 46-year-old woman, was also taken to John Hunter Hospital with multiple fractures.
"It's a miracle no one was seriously injured," NSW Ambulance Inspector Jason Saper said in a statement.
"They are very lucky to be alive, it was a significant fall from the cliff."
Despite remaining in a serious condition, police placed the driver under arrest on Friday following inquiries.
The Wallsend woman was charged with driving in a manner dangerous causing grievous bodily harm and refused bail from her hospital bed.
She is scheduled to face Newcastle Local Court next week.
Australian Associated Press
