A DRIVER today had a lucky escape after he was pulled from his car by a passing motorist shortly before it burst into flames.

A DRIVER had a lucky escape after he was pulled from his crashed car by a passing motorist shortly before it burst into flames.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, struck a signpost while travelling along the westbound carriageway of the A14 near the Seven Hills interchange, near Ipswich, yesterday morning.

With his car crumpled against the 30ft sign, he was helped from the wreckage by an heroic passer-by before the VW Polo caught fire.

The victim initially complained of chest pains but was later taken to Ipswich Hospital with whiplash and a suspected broken collarbone.

Firefighters were called to put out the burning car, but it was left completely destroyed.

Police officers closed one lane of the dual carriageway while they dealt with the clear-up.

Traffic along the dual carriageway was delayed until the road re-opened just after 1pm.