Dramatic pictures show just how close one lucky driver came to meeting the sharp end of a giant cactus in the Arizona desert.

Incredibly the victim, who was not named, escaped with just minor injuries after hitting the cactus which smashed through the windscreen of his car.

Police in Arizona were called to a car crash on the outskirts of Tucson on Wednesday and found the huge trunk smashed through the front window.

Image: The windshield was pierced with a saguaro cactus

Image: The driver managed to escape without an injury

Pima County sheriff's Deputy Daniel Jelineo said the black sports car hit the succulent while performing a U-turn, before ending up on the other side of the road.

The cactus slammed into the glass, ending up partially inside the car and over the bonnet.


In a statement on Facebook, the officers wrote: "Once on scene they located the vehicle with a large section of cactus through the windshield.

Image: The driver had crashed into the cactus

"The driver, who appeared disoriented, sustained minor injuries, and was later detained after deputies observed possible signs and symptoms associated with impairment.

"This incident is in the early stages of the investigation."