A woman escaped death by moments when her car burst into flames in a collision at a notorious A64 gap near York.

Burnt-out: The burnt-out car Peugeot 106 is loaded on to a lorry after the accident at the gap on the A64 Picture: Nigel Holland

Two passing motorists dragged the woman to safety from her blazing Peugeot 106 after it was in collision with another car travelling along the dual carriageway towards Leeds at 5.30pm yesterday.

Fire engines from York and Tadcaster raced to the scene to put out the blazing vehicle and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Terry Glover today paid tribute to the prompt actions of the rescuers.

"They probably played a major part in saving the driver's life," said Mr Glover.

"The woman suffered severe burns to her hair and hands and would also have been in shock.

"By pulling her from the car so quickly they will certainly saved her from suffering worse injuries."

Traffic congestion was building up again today because the inside lane of the westbound A64 was still coned off following the crash.

Police at Selby said the accident took place near the gap in the central reservation outside McDonald's Restaurant at Bilbrough.

This is just a couple of hundred yards from the Colton Lane End gap, which the Highways Agency decided to close on safety grounds only two days ago.

This latest smash, which caused rush-hour chaos on the westbound carriageway, today prompted renewed calls for the McDonald's gap to be closed as well.

Acting Inspector Iain Spittle said: "We have been very pleased this week to hear that the Highways Agency has approved the closure of Colton Lane End on a 12-month trial basis.

"But we believe that this junction at Bilbrough is just as dangerous and this accident just reinforces that message.

"We will continue to work with the Highways Agency to close this junction as they have closed Colton Lane End."

Traffic constable Andy Quigley, of Tadcaster road traffic department, said it appeared the Peugeot had been attempting to leave the McDonald's turning when it collided with a Ford Fiesta, spun out of control and burst into flames.

"This is a horrendous junction - along with Colton Lane it has been the scene of countless serious accidents including some fatalities," said TC Quigley.

The Peugeot driver has now been transferred to Pinderfields Hospital and the Fiesta driver suffered chest injuries in the crash.

Fortunately North Yorkshire Ambulance Trust had an ambulance on standby at the junction and its crew were able to rush to the aid of the two women after seeing the accident take place.

And an accident and emergency consultant, who had taken his children to eat at the McDonald's restaurant, also saw the crash and raced out to give first aid.

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