A272 crash: Heroic resident speaks of moment he pulled man away from burning car

A heroic Tillington resident has spoken of the moment he dragged a man away from a burning car after a serious crash.
Karl said he had lived next to the stretch of road for 21 years, dealing with five fatalitiesand aroundten serious accidents. Photo: Karl ThackerKarl said he had lived next to the stretch of road for 21 years, dealing with five fatalitiesand aroundten serious accidents. Photo: Karl Thacker
Karl said he had lived next to the stretch of road for 21 years, dealing with five fatalitiesand aroundten serious accidents. Photo: Karl Thacker

Two drivers were taken to hospital with serious injuries after a multiple-vehicle crash on the A272 between Midhurst and Petworth on May 15.

According to Sussex Police, a 24-year-old woman sustained two broken wrists and a 25-year-old man sustained a broken pelvis.

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However, it could have been worse if it were not for the actions of former firefighter Karl Thacker.

Police said a 24-year-old woman sustained two broken wrists and a 25-year-old man sustained a broken pelvis after crash. Photo: Karl ThackerPolice said a 24-year-old woman sustained two broken wrists and a 25-year-old man sustained a broken pelvis after crash. Photo: Karl Thacker
Police said a 24-year-old woman sustained two broken wrists and a 25-year-old man sustained a broken pelvis after crash. Photo: Karl Thacker

Karl was at home when he heard a loud bang from the road outside his house at around 4.30pm.

He said: “I told my other half to call 999 and they sent two pumps and two ambulances. I jumped into my vehicle and used it to block the road and make the scene safe.

"I could quickly assess what was going on. There was a guy who stumbled out and collapsed next to the car.

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"I dragged him away from the car because of the fire and gave him first aid. It all worked out well, he was very lucky.”

Karl said he had lived next to the stretch of road for 21 years, dealing with five fatalities and around ten serious accidents.

On his latest live-saving actions, he said: “I’ve had lots of training so it all came together.”

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