Police in Harrogate are appealing for information and praising motorists for their bravery following a road traffic collision on the A1(M).
It occurred on the northbound carriageway near Allerton Park just before 3pm on Monday 8 August 2011 involving two lorries which had been caught up in tailbacks following an earlier collision.
As a result of the collision the cab of the second lorry overturned and the driver was thrown out of the vehicle and ended up being trapped by his legs underneath it.
Five motorists stopped at the scene to help the driver. As he was conscious and able to talk they decided to wait for the fire and rescue service to arrive so that he could be released safely. However, a fire broke out in the lorry prior to the arrival of the fire service. The group of motorists worked together and pulled the man clear of the scene.
The driver was taken to Harrogate District Hospital where he was treated before being released.
Traffic Constable Rob Roberts, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said: “I would like to thank the motorists who stopped to help at the scene. I have absolutely no doubt that their quick thinking and decisive actions saved the driver from serious injury, if not death.
“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to contact the police as soon as possible.”
If you can assist with this investigation please contact TC Rob Roberts at Harrogate police station on 0845 60 60 24 7 quoting reference number 12110133250.
