Award for man who pulled woman from burning car on M1

Mr Rastrick said the car span 'two or three times' and then burst into flames

A lorry driver who pulled a woman from a burning car seconds before it exploded has received a bravery award.

John Rastrick, from Chesterfield, ran towards the blaze on the M1 to save Pari Mistry, 27, from Leicester, on 17 January 2019.

Ms Mistry, who suffered a skull fracture, was found curled up in the driver's seat in "complete shock" after her car caught fire following a crash.

Mr Rastrick received an award from East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS).

He said: "I saw her car spin two or three times when another car collided with her and her vehicle immediately set on fire.

"I hoped to god that whoever was in the car had got out, but when I saw Pari in there, I put all my fears aside and tried to pull her out."

• Latest news and stories from the East Midlands

He carried Ms Mistry to safety with the help of other motorists on the northbound carriageway of the motorway, just south of Leicester. Within 30 seconds of her escape, the car exploded.

Ms Mistry underwent an eight-hour operation on her skull and had to learn to walk and talk again. She praised the heroic actions of Mr Rastrick and the paramedics who attended to her.

"I don't remember much from the incident but I know I immediately thought I was going to die," she said.

"Being able to say thank you to John and the crew for what they did means so much. I never thought I would get the chance."

The crew who attended to Ms Mistry presented Mr Rastrick with an EMAS bravery award.

Mr Rastrick can be seen running towards the burning car