Football bosses in crash drama

IPSWICH Town chairman David Sheepshanks, manager Jim Magilton, and consultant Charlie Woods are today recovering after being involved in a crash drama which saw one car burst into flames.

Mr Sheepshanks today spoke about last night's crash on the A12 as they were being driven home from a day trip abroad.

The three were being driven back to Ipswich by club player liaison officer Wolfe Powell.

Mr Sheepshanks said: “We were caught in a traffic jam at Brentwood and had slowed to walking pace when we were hit from behind by a car.

“It hit us with a lot of force - it pushed us about 25 to 30 metres along the road. That car then burst into flames, but the driver had a very lucky escape.

“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 the vehicle which smashed into them 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.”

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance trust said they were called to a four car shunt at 8.08pm on the northbound carriageway of A12 at Mountnessing near Brentwood.

Six patients were taken to hospital in Chelmsford. Essex police said they were called to a collision involving a Fiesta, Vectra and Landcruiser at 8.08pm at Brentwood on northbound carriageway.

The three senior Town bosses were returning from a one-day trip abroad, but Mr Sheepshanks would not give any further details about the meeting.

Mr Sheepshanks added: “We were all very lucky and are fine today. We are hoping to feel even better after Sunday lunchtime after victory in the big match!”