VIDEO: Hero strangers rescue two trapped in water-filled ditch (From Bournemouth Echo)

VIDEO: Hero strangers rescue two trapped in water-filled ditch on A338

8:12am Friday 8th March 2013 in News

Bradley Moss and Neil Baumber

A DRIVER and passenger rescued by strangers from their overturned car on the A338 Spur Road are “lucky to be alive”.

The car landed in a waterlogged ditch just off the northbound carriageway of the road past Blackwater junction around 8am.

The angle of the ditch meant the doors of the car were wedged closed, and water was beginning to seep into the car.

Miraculously the two women – a 37-year-old driver and 66-year-old passenger – escaped without injury thanks to two courageous men who leapt from their van to the women’s aid after witnessing the car lose control.

Bradley Moss, 26, and Neil Baumber, 25, said they were on their way to work when the green Volkswagen Polo started “snaking” in front of them before it left the road and landed upside down in the ditch.

“I jumped out of the van while it was still moving and just ran down there,” said Bradley, who lives in Bournemouth.

“The car was still running and the women were talking but were obviously shaken up.

“Neil was a bit worried the car was on fire because there was steam and got on the phone to the fire brigade and ambulance.

“When I looked in the back window it scared me because there was some pink clothing, which made me think there were kids in there. I tried the front door first but they were wedged shut because of the ditch.

“I kept levering the back door and managed to slightly open it. I got my arm in and felt someone grab it. The ladies managed to pull themselves to the back of the car and I pulled them out.

“I didn’t even think about it, I was just worried about them.”

Neil added: “I was shocked when I first saw the car – I didn’t think anyone would be walking out without injuries. They were more worried about us being late for work but obviously our concern was for them.

“We put our roof ladder across the dyke so the services could get across, then we picked our stuff up and went to work.

“It does feel good. I know some people wouldn’t stop but you don’t know if there’s going to be a kid in the car.

“You can save lives at the end of the day.”

The two workmates said the front of the car was filling up with water from the ditch between the A338 and Matchams Lane by the time they left.

PC Mark Palmer from Dorset Police’s road traffic unit said the women, believed to be teachers, were “lucky to be alive”.

Neither suffered any injuries and did not have to be taken to hospital.

PC Palmer added: “It’s amazing they weren’t seriously hurt. They are very, very lucky.”

He said speed was not a factor in the incident.

Emergency services attended from Matchams Lane, so as not to cause any delays on the A338, but police were forced to temporarily close one lane after an ambulance stopped on the carriageway.

Recovery of the vehicle took place later in the day so as not to cause any further inconvenience to motorists, although traffic was slow along the road as a result of the incident.