Driver of Chorley M6 accident thanks hero lifesaver (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Driver of Chorley M6 accident thanks hero lifesaver

1:09pm Wednesday 17th September 2008

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A former paratrooper who dragged a woman driver from her burning car after an horrific crash on the M6 near Chorley, has been hailed a hero.

Steven Wilson, 32, battled past the flames and used his bare hands to force the car door open to pull the Lancaster woman to safety.

He has been hailed a hero and a life-saver by Christine Maude, 56, who was left trapped in her Rover 25 after it was in collision with a Peugeot and a Renault Clio on a busy stretch of the motorway near Charnock Richard services at 2.30pm on Sunday.

The Rover burst into flames and was completely destroyed after the crash and in a statement Miss Maude said: “I thank God that Steven was there and knew what to do. I am extremely grateful to him for his presence of mind, for being physically strong enough to do what he did to get me out and for being prepared to put himself at risk to do so.

A police spokesman said: “There is no doubt that this man saved this woman’s life. It was very heroic.”

Miss Maude was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital with head injuries while a man, aged 32, and a 12-year-old boy, who were travelling in the Clio, were also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A stretch of the northbound motorway was closed for an hour following the accident, causing major queues.

An investigation is now under way and anyone who saw the crash is asked to call police at the Motorway Unit at Samlesbury on 01772 410465 or 01772 614444.

In the past, brave Steven, from Dumfries, helped rescue British hostages in Sierra Leone.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Mr Wilson saved this woman’s life.

"After the fuel tank exploded, the car was just a shell.”

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