Norwich car crash couple get engaged in Iceland hospital

Since recovering Mr Nelson has been able to buy a ring for fiance Mr Griffiths, who remains in hospital in Iceland at present

A couple who survived a head-on crash on holiday in Iceland became engaged in their hospital beds after nurses reunited them in intensive care.

Elliot Griffiths, 26, and Zak Nelson, 28, of Norwich, were rescued from their smashed hire car within hours of arriving in Reykjavik.

An emotional Mr Nelson said neither had any idea whether the other was alive.

"I was wheeled towards his bed, Elliot saw me, said hello and asked me to marry him - I said yes," he added.

"We spoke for five minutes and all the nurses were cheering and saying 'this is our first engagement in ICU'."

'Lucky to be alive'

After their brief reunion, Mr Griffiths had to be whisked off for emergency surgery after suffering internal bleeding in the collision.

He continues to recover in hospital in Reykjavik, with Mr Nelson at his bedside since being discharged two days after the accident, on 21 April.

TikTok videos posted by Mr Nelson showed how badly their car was damaged

Mr Nelson, a First Bus marketing executive, was badly bruised after he said a car in the opposite lane pulled out and collided with them head-on.

He believed their car had been doing about 55mph (89km/h) at the time.

"The car rolled and the next thing I know the alarm on my watch is blaring, calling the emergency services," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"People were opening the doors and talking to us.

"We are lucky to be alive, when you see the picture of the car."

The couple hoped to return to Iceland and see the sights they had planned to visit

Mr Nelson, who admits he usually posts "happy bus-related" updates on TikTok, had filmed emotional videos about their ordeal after returning to their hotel alone.

A follow-up video on social media about their "happy news" from Mr Griffiths's bedside has since attracted more than 57,000 likes.

Thanking the people of Iceland for their offers of help, Mr Nelson said: "Hopefully we'll return once we're better and see the rest of your beautiful country."

Listen: Happy end after Iceland crash

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