A family who had a miraculous escape from their burning car want to thank the mystery samaritans who saved their lives.
Former Fifer James Cook’s car burst into flames only seconds after he managed to pull over on the A92 on Wednesday.
He is convinced it was only down to the quick thinking of a fellow motorist and his passenger that the family, who were on their way for a family Christmas in Markinch, lived to tell the tale.
Still in shock James, 50, told of the moment when he watched his car, only bought three weeks ago, as it was engulfed in flames shortly after he and his wife Frances, 44, and their two children Eilidh, 10, and seven-year-old Ethan managed to scramble to safety.
As the Edinburgh-based family looked on in horror, the inferno closed the main Kirkcaldy to Glenrothes road while emergency services tackled the blaze.
The family had been going to swap Christmas presents with James’ sister Angela and brother-in-law James when the drama unfolded.
James, who up until then had only used the car on short journeys to his work, noticed a small amount of smoke.
But he couldn’t get into a layby, and with the temperature gauge indicating nothing amiss, he thought of soldiering on the mile to his sister’s home.
“But the guy behind me was flashing his lights and when I pulled over he came running up saying the car’s on fire, you better get out quick.
“If he had not done that it was only a minute after we got out the car that the diesel tank burst and flames were all across the road.”
The driver, part of a couple, then gave shelter in his car to James’ family as the catastrophe was averted.
In fact, the blaze was so intense, when he phoned to alert the family, his brother-in-law was incredulous.
“He couldn’t believe it, he asked if that was us as he saw the smoke from a mile away.”
James still shudders to think what may have happened had it not been for his mystery knight in shining armour.
“I am still in shock, and can’t take it in.
“If it had happened when I was driving we wouldn’t have got out the car.
“With the flames underneath, we could not see them.”
Having only managed to shake the man’s hand, James would now like to thank the family’s helpers properly.
Did you come to the family’s aid? If so, get in touch at leclark@thecourier.co.uk.