PICTURED: Passers-by save motorcyclist as bike bursts into flames after smash
A motorcyclist whose bike caught fire after a crash avoided serious injury because of the quick actions of bystanders and his good quality safety gear.
The crash took place at the junction of Water Orton Lane and Cottage Lane in Minworth on the outskirts of Sutton Coldfield.
An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer were sent after five 999 calls were received about the accident, involving the motorbike and a car, at around 11.40am on the morning of April 13.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "There was a collision between the motorcycle and a car at the junction. Bystanders at the scene told ambulance staff that the rider landed about 10 metres away from the car and the bike had ended up on the pavement where it caught fire. The people at the scene dragged the rider away from the blaze.
"The bike was completely destroyed, while the car had damage to the bonnet.
"We'd like to pay tribute to the fast actions of the members of the public for ensuring the rider was safely away from the fire.
"Although the 39-year-old rider suffered a dislocated shoulder, a possible fracture to his collar bone and was complaining of hip pain, the level of injury was almost certainly reduced by him wearing full leathers, crash helmet and motorcycle boots; it lessened the level of injury.
"The man was taken to the trauma unit at Heartlands Hospital for further treatment. The woman driving the car, whilst undoubtedly shaken by the incident, was unhurt."
