A Wickford man was lucky to escape with his life after he was hauled from his flaming car by a hero motorist following a horror crash.

The accident happened at 4.50am on Saturday when the 38-year-old's red Ford Sierra burst into flames following a collision with a mobile crane which was parked in a layby on the London bound track of the A127 near its junction with the A176 at Basildon.

Travelling behind him was a Canvey family who saw the flames in the distance.

Acting Sgt, Dave Mayo at Laindon Traffic Police, said: "They saw the crane and thought it was warning lights.

"But as they got closer they saw the flames and one of the passengers, a 52-year-old man, got out to discover the crash victim still in the car screaming 'get me out'.

"He couldn't open the door with the handle so prised it open and he dragged the man out while his wife and stepdaughter dialed 999.

"A few minutes later the car was engulfed in flames. The Wickford man owes his life to the second motorist.

"I have made a report and hope he receives an award for his heroic and brave actions. If he had not stopped and helped it is likely the Wickford man would not have been able to get out of the car."

The crash victim, who police have not named, was taken to Basildon Hospital with serious leg injuries including multiple fractures and was expected to spend several days in hospital.

Police are now calling for witnesses who might have seen the accident or the Sierra before the crash.

If anyone has information on the accident they should call Acting Sgt Mayo on 01268 541312

Published Friday November 15, 2002

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