Miracle on the A40
Heroes rescue three trapped in inferno plane after it crashes
TWO brave men who saw a light aircraft crash-land on a dual carriageway and explode into flames have told how they risked their lives to save the trapped occupants.
Somehow, all three in the plane are said to have escaped without suffering life-threatening injuries, and no vehicles on the busy road were hit.
Daniel Nicholson, 46, and Joel Snarr, 35, who were travelling in different cars as the aircraft plunged on to the A40 yesterday, pulled the pilot and two passengers from the blazing upsidedown wreck.
Retail manager Daniel said he smashed one of the windows to help free those trapped inside. “The plane came from nowhere – if it had been two seconds later it would have hit us,” he said. “It burst into flames in front of me. I screeched to a halt, and didn’t hesitate. I could see there were people in there.
“I could see a young girl from my side, as there was no fire my side, and I knew I could get access.
“She was terrified, screaming... I tried to smash the front window of the plane but I couldn’t. Then I noticed a crack in the back and began kicking it. She was kicking from the inside, helping.”
He said the passengers looked like they were brother and sister and aged around 19 to 20.
Daniel, who is married and was driving his son home when they saw the crash at 11am, added: “I thought the pilot might have been the two passengers’ dad. Joel pulled him out, but by then the plane was completely engulfed.
“I ran to my son who was waiting in the car, and reversed as the flames were increasing.”
Army veteran Joel described running towards the “inferno” after the plane hit the central reservation. The bomb disposal expert said that after the passengers were free “the pilot put out his hands and I heaved him out”.
Harrison Francis-Fletcher, 18, heard the huge bang from his house, then rushed to the home of his grandparents who live just 30 yards from the crash.
He said: “The plane is a pile of melted metal. The only way you can tell it’s a plane is the wheels sticking out.”
It is understood the aircraft was forced to make the emergency landing near Usk, Monmouthshire, due to hitting power cables above a railway line.
Emergency services said the trio were taken to hospital as a “precaution” after the accident near Abergavenny airfield.