Nashik (Maharashtra), Jun 5 (IANS): Ashwin Gowda and co-driver Anoop Kumar miraculously survived a 300-foot fall into a valley and escaped unhurt after their car, taking part in the Rally of Maharashtra, rolled more than seven times before coming to rest on top of a tree, an official said.

The tree prevented the Maruti Esteem car from tumbling another 100 feet into a rocky riverbed. Both drivers walked off relatively unhurt, said Mahantesh, a doctor manning the medical point of the rally.

"After rolling seven times, I thought it was all over and stopped counting," said a relieved Anoop Kumar.

He attributed his lucky escape to the roll cage that is mandatory for all cars participating in the rally.

Gowda, recuperating in the ambulance, said: "Going down was easy! Walking up the hill was more dehydrating."

Mahantesh added: "Ashwin took time to recover from the shock but everything is okay. Both the drivers escaped without any injuries. However, they will undergo safety checks."