Passers-by tried to help free trapped motorists in a three car pile up in which one man was killed.

Steven John Bowes, 32, of New Marske, died when three cars smashed into each other and set ablaze on the A174 near Redcar. Two others were taken to hospital.

The fatal pile-up happened around 4pm on 19th December between Fishponds and Grewgrass roundabouts, east bound near Kirkleatham. The three vehicles involved were a Renault Clio, a Nissan Primera and a Citroen Picasso.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “It was brought to the attention of the attending crews by the police that, prior to the arrival of the fire brigade; members of the public had assisted the release of the occupants from one of the vehicles.”

Seven fire engines were called to the scene from stations across Teesside. Dave Turton, Cleveland Fire Brigade group manager said: “The impact of the crash is likely to be the cause of the fire which engulfed all three cars.” Fire crews had to wear breathing apparatus to reach victims trapped in the wreckage.

The road was closed for five hours during what is the busiest time of the week. Investigators are now trying to piece together exactly what happened and discover how the fire started. Clevleland Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.