Motorists pulled a woman from a flaming wreckage on the motorway in Wiltshire.
Several witnesses stopped to help a driver who was trapped in an overturned car following a dramatic crash on the M4 near Chippenham last night (Sunday, 20 August).
The black Audi was involved in a collision with other vehicles at around 10pm, but flipped onto its roof and burst into a raging fireball – leaving a woman struggling to escape.
Using fire extinguishers to hold back the flames, the witnesses rushed to pull the victim free – ultimately saving her life.
Meanwhile, a significant number of emergency services – following reports of the concerning incident – raced to the scene. Wiltshire Air Ambulance landed on the M4 before fire crews arrived.
Due to the rescue operation carried out by members of the public, the crash was not as serious as first reported. The woman did not sustain any serious injuries but was taken to hospital.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service sent nine fire engines to the scene.
A spokesperson said: “We were called to the M4 eastbound between Leigh Delamare services and J17 at 10.13pm last night after police reported an incident involving multiple vehicles, including one on fire.
“Crews attended from Chippenham (x2), Malmesbury, Corsham and Calne, along with Avon Fire & Rescue Service crews from Yate, Avonmouth and Kingswood (x2).
“One car, which was on its roof, was well alight and one breathing apparatus wearer used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.
“Crews remained on scene to support the other emergency services; our stop was at 11.03pm and all appliances had returned to home station before midnight.”
Wiltshire Police confirmed that officers were called to a two vehicle collision on the eastbound carriageway and road closures were in place until 12.45am.
