IPSWICH Town boss Jim Magilton and chairman David Sheepshanks have been involved in a road traffic accident on the A12.

IPSWICH Town boss Jim Magilton and chairman David Sheepshanks were recovering yesterday after being involved in an accident on the A12 in which one of the vehicles burst into flames.

The pair, along with club advisor Charlie Woods and player liaison officer Wolfe Powell, were treated at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, after the crash.

The group - who were travelling in a Toyota Land Cruiser on the northbound carriageway near Brentwood - were all treated for minor injuries.

Mr Sheepshanks has spoken about the crash, which happened around 8.10pm on Thursday as they were being driven home from a day trip abroad.

He said they were caught in a traffic jam and had slowed to walking pace when they were in collision with another car which then burst into flames.

“The driver had a very lucky escape,” he said. “He ended up with a broken leg and other injuries, but he was conscious and not in any danger.

“We all suffered bruises and were shaken up, but we were taken to Broomfield and were allowed home later in the evening.”

Mr Sheepshanks said the driver of a car following behind was the real hero of the evening.

He said: “He jumped out and dragged the driver out of the crashed car. To be honest I didn't see much of what was happening because we were all rather shaken up, but he certainly saved his life because the car went up in flames.”

Police are appealing for information about the accident, which happened between junctions 11 and 12 for Brentwood and Mountnessing and also involved a Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Astra.

A spokeswoman said a 41-year-old man from Clacton-on-Sea who was in the Fiesta had injuries to his legs and chest along with a 39-year-old woman who had a head injury and whiplash.

A 34-year-old man in the Vauxhall, from the Chelmsford area, was unhurt in the accident, she added.

She said a 38-year-old, a 55-year-old and a 63-year-old in the Toyota suffered whiplash.

A spokeswoman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “There were six patients in all but none were serious - just the usual bumps and bruises.

“Three men were boarded up as a precaution because they were suffering back pain and three others were walking wounded.”

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Essex Police on 01279 621866.