Woman left 'in bits' as she leaves car minutes before it bursts into flames on the A14

Siobhan Middleton

8 November 2024 at 11:02 am·2-min read

Emma Banner's car caught fire near Bury St Edmunds — -Credit: (Image: Emma Banner)

A 21-year-old woman whose car caught fire two minutes after she got out has described being "completely shaken up and in bits". Emma Banner was driving along the A14 near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on Friday morning (November 8) when she noticed smoke rising from her bonnet.

Emma, from Newmarket, left the car near junction 42 and describes how the vehicle quickly caught fire. Emergency services were called to the scene at about 7.30am, and the road was cleared shortly after the incident.

Emma said: "My car had no warning lights come on but began to stop me from accelerating. I heard a loud bang and my car was juddering quite a bit.

"I started to assume my tire was blown or something. The closest place to pull over was the exit to junction 42. I felt very worried and anxious about what was going on so reached for my phone to call my mum, then I noticed smoke coming from my bonnet so I got out.

Inside Emma's car after the fire -Credit:Emma Banner

"Luckily, a man pulled over to help as he also saw the smoke. It was only a couple minutes later that the fire started.

"The man stayed with me until emergency services arrived and he helped me calm down. I was completely shaken up and in bits as I was very frightened.

"I was lucky enough to get out just before the car caught fire. The ambulance checked me over for smoke inhalation etc, and emergency services were very quick to get the fire out and make sure I’m okay.

"I’m still very shaken up and upset I’ve lost quite a few of my belongings I had with me in the car and, of course, I'm very upset I have lost my car."

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Woman left 'in bits' as she leaves car minutes before it bursts into flames on the A14

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