Burning car rescue helper tells of shock

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A young woman has praised a group of motorists who pulled together to help save the life of a woman trapped in a burning car.

The three-vehicle-smash along the A2070 in Kingsnorth left two drivers with serious injuries after a car flipped over when another veered into it from the opposite direction.

Together, the other motorists at the scene righted the blazing vehicle and helped extinguish flames using bottled water from their own cars while they waited for the emergency services to arrive.

Pheola Tozer, 20, was on her way to work when the collision occurred between a Renault Clio, a Perodua Kenari and a Volkswagen Polo.

Recalling the moment the collision occurred, Miss Tozer, from Smeeth, said: “All of a sudden an oncoming car veered across the road and smashed into a lady’s car.

“I saw it happening so managed to stop in time, but the car in front of me was also hit.

“The lady’s car flipped over and caught fire.

“I called 999. I was trying to explain where I was but I was in shock. They asked me what service we needed, and I said ‘all of them!’ I think someone else had called too.

“As soon as the crash happened, a lot of people stopped and everyone just ran over.

“I’m glad others were there, I couldn’t have done anything by myself.

“Someone pulled the guy out of the Clio. He looked like he was having a seizure. But the woman in the other car was trapped.”

Through sheer team effort, the group managed to flip the car over, first on to its side, and then upright and, using the bottles of water and a small fire extinguisher, doused the flames before the fire service arrived.

Miss Tozer, who works at Tenterden Garden Centre, said: “There were a few workmen there, and they were asking for bottles of water. Luckily I had a few in my car because my radiator is broken and I keep having to top it up.

“I was really impressed they managed to flip the car.”

Miss Tozer remained at the scene for two hours to give her account of the incident to the emergency crews.

Asked if the experience scared her, she replied: “I was in more shock I think. I thought I would be more scared.

“I just remember being very close to the car on fire and thinking it might explode.

“It was like a crash from a film. I’ve replayed it 100 times in my head.

“That road is dangerous and I have avoided it since.

“My mum is very proud of me. She taught me what to do in emergencies from a young age – pull over, put your hazard lights on and call 999.

“But I don’t think I did anything that anyone else wouldn’t have done. It was really a group effort – everyone worked together really well.”

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Pheola Tozer with her mum Paula Tozer