Published: Friday, 16th May, 2008 16:30
Dad's van fire escape terror
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BLAZING WRECK: Firefighters examine the smouldering wreckage of the Ford Transit.
A DAD has spoken of his horror after his work van burst into flames — just seconds after he escaped with his eight-year-old daughter.
Gourock roofer Paddy McIntyre, 36, was travelling to watch his son play football in Greenock’s Battery Park when smoke started to billow through the floor of the Ford Transit.
Paddy said: “My wee girl and her nine-year-old friend were inside along with my two dogs. I heard a funny noise coming from the engine and pulled over at the side of the road near to the park.
“I saw smoke coming up through the floor where the pedals are so I quickly got the kids and the dogs out. Next thing the engine just seemed to go on fire.”
Mr McIntyre quickly managed to salvage most of his tools from the vehicle, including his ladders from the roof with the help of a passer-by. Fire crews arrived soon after to tackle the blaze.
The van has since been removed by police.
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Man, 23, fighting for life
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