BMW goes like a bomb

FIREFIGHTERS were called to a freak accident in Hornsey last week when the engine of a driver's BMW exploded while he was still in the car.

Ian Taylor, of Clarendon Road, escaped from the car with singed hair and eyebrows and did not opt to go for medical treatment.

He was having his car towed away after it had been damaged in an accident.

The car would not start and was proving difficult to get onto the back of the rescue and recovery vehicle.

The manager of the recovery vehicle decided to go and fetch a tow rope to fasten to the dead car.

Mr Taylor decided to give it one last try and attempted to turn the engine over again.

There was an explosion in the engine compartment which set the car on fire.

Hornsey Station Officer Gary Keys said: "The accident could have been a lot nastier than it was. It was very unusual. The petrol was leaking from the accident damage and then a spark. In that minute the mix was just right. A cigerette may not have lit the petrol but a spark is white hot."

13:46 Friday 17th May 2002

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