TWITTER/MOTORWAY MARTIN
PC Martin Willis – known as Motorway Martin – clutched to the vehicle after it collided on the A1(M) near Leeds, with the driver trapped inside.
He was the first on the scene yesterday morning after the driver lost control in icy conditions, where the vehicle was swaying dangerously in the wind.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews arrived and used wire ropes to drag the van to safety.
The driver was then rushed to Leeds General Infirmary with serious but non life-threatening injuries.
TWITTER/MOTORWAY MARTIN
PC Willis, who patrols the M62 from junction 22 to 27, described his relief on Twitter.
He said: “First on the scene of this collision on the #A1M this morning and faced with a vehicle balancing over the edge of a bridge with the driver trapped!
“After holding on to the vehicle to stop it swaying in the wind I can’t begin to describe my relief when @WYFRS arrived on the scene.”
The accident happened close to junction 44 for Aberford and Bramham on Friday morning.
Good evening. Thank you very much to everyone that has tweeted such kind words to me about the collision on the A1M this morning! Very much appreciated! It's not going to be as cold tonight but beware as there is still the potential for ice if skies clear. Drive carefully.
— Motorway Martin (@WYP_PCWILLIS) December 1, 2017
“After holding on to the vehicle to stop it swaying in the wind I can’t begin to describe my relief when @WYFRS arrived on the scene”
PC Martin Willis
Two northbound lanes of the A1(M) were closed for most of the day.
Martin was praised as a hero after the driver escaped.
PC Adam Pace tweeted: “How on Earth did you manage to do all this and get a photo? Awesome work. Thank you for sharing.”
He added: “Your superman cape isn’t in this photo though! Must have come off in the fracas!”
The worst road rage around
Sue Drew posted: “That must’ve been a heart stopping moment!! Well done for holding on and helping to save that driver’s life.”
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Emergency services worked incredibly hard together this morning to rescue the driver of this vehicle on the A1 (M).
“The male casualty is recovering in hospital after what must have been a terrifying ordeal. We wish him well.”