Skip to content

Van driver saves taxi fire driver and passengers

Paul BurnellNorth West
News imageOther Blazing car engulfed in bright orange flames and thick black smoke on a motorway hard shoulder.Other
The taxi driver did not immediately realise his car was on fire

A van driver has told how he saved a taxi driver and his passengers who were oblivious to the fact their car was on fire.

The van driver, who does not wish to be named, said he was driving along the M60 in Greater Manchester near Simister Island on Thursday when he saw flames coming from the cab.

"I drove near him and told him he needed to pull over - he was not aware of the fire," the van driver said.

He added that one of the two passengers was disabled, so helped them out of the burning vehicle before dialling 999 to alert the emergency services.

News imageOther Firefighters extinguish a fire in a taxi on the M60 hardshoulder.Other
The passengers were helped out of the taxi

The driver led all three people from the taxi into his van and drove to a safe area to await the arrival of the fire service.

"I was amazed how quickly the firefighters arrived," he said.

"The taxi driver, who must have been around 20, said he noticed a problem with his oil light but thought he could leave the motorway at the next services.

"He was very shocked.

"I'm used to seeing this kind of thing on the motorway but I don't think he has ever seen a car on fire on the motorway before."

The taxi driver and passengers were unharmed in the incident.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

GMFRS