Man's lucky escape after car turns into M4 fireball

Vehicle engulfed in flames after fuel tank ruptures

A MAN had a lucky escape after his car burst into flames on the M4 between Newbury and Reading yesterday (Monday) evening.

Two fire engines from Newbury Fire Station were called at 10pm to the M4 eastbound between junctions 13 and 12.

A Peugeot car was discovered burnt out on arrival.

The man, the only occupant, who tried to put out the fire using water he was carrying in the car, was treated for minor burns to his hand by firefighters, who provided First Aid at the scene.

"He lost power and pulled onto the hard shoulder and next thing it was well alight, the fuel tank ruptured," said a firefighter at the scene.

The fire was fully extinguished by a firefighter wearing breathing apparatus.

Two lanes of the motorway were closed during the incident.

Firefighters, who left the scene after an hour, afterwards warned of the dangers of trying to extinguish vehicle fires.

Instead they advise, get well clear of the vehicle as quickly as possible before it ignites.