A MOTORIST was killed when his car collided head-on with a fire engine early today.
William Baines, 30, of Laxey Crescent, Leigh, died instantly in the accident shortly after midnight.
It happened on a sharp left hand bend in Wigan Road, Leigh, close to its junction with Eldon Street.
His Ford Fiesta XR2 collided with the Greater Manchester fire appliance which was carrying an aerial ladder platform.
His front seat passenger, girlfriend, Julie Kelly, 25, of Overton Street, Leigh, miraculously escaped serious injury.
She was taken to Wigan Infirmary, where she was detained overnight with shock. The driver of the fire engine, who lived in Golborne, was also treated for shock. He and another fire officer on board were travelling back from dealing with a chip pan fire in a sixth floor flat at Douglas House, Wigan.
Two fire crews from Leigh helped ambulancemen treating the casualties. A fire spokesman confirmed there would be an investigation. Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 0161 872 5050.
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