AO HGV driver hailed hero after rescuing family on the M1

Ken Wheatley, from Crewe, sprang into action when he witnessed a car flip onto its roof on the southbound carriageway near Bedford at around 4am.

The collision involved a vehicle carrying a family of three.

Mr Wheatley, a grandfather of four who has worked for AO since 2022, said the scene could have ended in ‘fatalities’.

He said: “It was about four in the morning, and I was driving along when I saw a black car come tearing down past me on the outside lane.

“It must have just clipped the other car containing this family – it was completely upside down with all the lights off.

“If another vehicle had hit them at 50 to 60mph there could have been fatalities.

“But if there’s one thing about HGV drivers, it’s if we can help, we will help.”

Mr Wheatley and three other HGV drivers stopped their vehicles to block the motorway and prevent further danger.

They smashed the window to free the father, but didn’t realise others were inside until they heard a child crying.

Mr Wheatley said: “So, we made the decision to just get them out, because if my kids or grandkids were in there, I’d want someone to do the same.”

He then climbed onto the car to help extract the rest of the family. With a crowbar from his lorry, he prised open the door and retrieved their suitcases.

Mr Wheatley invited the family to take shelter in his cab until paramedics arrived.

Fortunately, none of the occupants sustained serious injuries.

Lynne Wood, director of service delivery at AO based in Bolton, said: “We always speak about being magic in the moments that matter, and Kenny’s heroic actions are a perfect example of this.

“We’re extremely proud of him.”

Mr Wheatley has been named employee of the month and rewarded with champagne, a gift voucher, a trophy, an extra holiday day, and a private parking spot for a month.