Dramatic moment Chesterfield lorry driver pulled young woman from burning car on M1 seconds before it exploded

A brave Chesterfield lorry driver has been given a bravery award after rescuing a woman from her blazing car.
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John Rastrick, a lorry driver from Chesterfield, was travelling northbound on the M1 on the evening of January, 17 2019 when a collision took place in front of him at 5.43pm.

The car burst into flames and the 27-year-old driver, Pari Mistry, was trapped inside.

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With no time to spare, John leapt from his cab and ran towards the burning vehicle knowing he only moments to save the driver.

Motorway rescue.Motorway rescue.
Motorway rescue.

He was met with thick smoke and flames which were rapidly engulfing the car, and he found Pari curled up in the driver’s seat in complete shock.

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

“I just knew at that moment that there was no one else around to help and I had to do what was right.

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“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.”

John dragged the Leicester woman from the car to safety with the help of other motorists. Within 29 seconds of helping Pari out of the car, it exploded.

In recognition of John’s brave actions, the crew who attended to Pari will present him with an East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) Bravery Award.

Pari, underwent an eight-hour operation on her skull and then had to learn to walk and talk again.

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She said: “I don’t remember much from the incident, apart from what I have been told but I know I immediately thought I was going to die.

“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.

“John didn’t just save my life. He saved the lives of my mum, dad and brother too.”

John and Pari have kept in touch since the accident and remain close friends.