A South Woodham fire officer has praised members of the public who saved the life of a young driver as he lay trapped in his blazing car.

Sub-officer Stewart Cook said the swift action of bystanders was crucial in saving the life of 22-year-old Robert Rice after his car hit a telegraph pole.

"It was great to see such public-spirited action in what was potentially a very dangerous situation," said Mr Cook.

"There was quite a significant fire in the car and you have to act very quickly in those situations. The bystanders and some passing motorists used portable fire extinguishers to put out the worst of the flames - their quick actions definitely saved his life."

Mr Rice, of Bucklebury Heath, South Woodham, was driving his Ford Fiesta car along Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, just by Meadowcroft Nursery, at midday last Friday when the accident happened.

Mr Rice was seriously hurt in the accident and airlifted to Basildon General Hospital by the Essex Air Ambulance helicopter.

A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "stable and comfortable" this week.

While praising the actions of the public after the accident Mr Cook said there had been a delay in calling the fire brigade. He urged people to contact the fire service without hesitation.

"The call was not made for about eight minutes and I think possibly what happened was that everybody assumed someone else had already made the call," he said.

"I would like to ask people in a situation when someone is trapped and there is a fire, the fire brigade are most definitely needed and people should call us.

"Even if someone else has already done so, it does not matter."

Mr Cook said when the fire service arrived on the scene, the car was still on fire, but the majority of the flames had been knocked back.

"We assisted the ambulance crew with first aid and our main responsibility was to free the driver and to make sure the area was safe," he said.

Mr Cook would like to hear from any of the bystanders who could assist him with writing his report on the early stages of the incident.

If you can help, contact Mr Cook on (01245) 322706.

Fire crews and the Essex Air Ambulance at the scene of the accident

Picture: GARETH MORGAN

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