'My lucky stars were with me'

The two-car collision near Hastings. Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

A man pulled from his burning vehicle seconds before it exploded into flames says he will never forget the people who saved him.

William Stirling, 75, wants to meet the men who saved his life and say thank you.

Stirling was attempting to pull into a driveway on Lawn Rd near Hastings 15 days ago when he collided with a Honda Civic driven by 17-year-old Matthew McCann.

The vehicles erupted into flames on impact.

McCann's car was thrown 10m into a ditch and Stirling's truck tipped on its side in the middle of the road.

Both drivers were pulled from their vehicles by passers by before being rushed to hospital. Stirling was discharged a few hours later with whiplash and McCann several days later with a broken hip.

Police are investigating but so far no charges have been laid.

Stirling, the Hawke's Bay District Health Board kaumatua and a Queens Service Medal recipient, said he was "really grateful" to his rescuers - motorists Colin Wiggins and Noel Kennedy.

"After seeing my vehicle, I know I would not have survived if they hadn't pulled me out," he said. "It will be with me forever."

Stirling remembered the impact but blacked out and came to as Wiggins smashed his window with a hammer and pulled him from the truck.

"My foot was jammed. I told them to hang on so I could free it ... then I just flew out of the vehicle. They only got me about 5 or 6ft. and then up she went.

"I was very fortunate. My lucky stars were with me."

McCann's family also wanted to thank the men but were waiting for the police to finish investigating. His mother Pam said he was at home and recovering well but would be on crutches for a while.

"When we saw him in hospital I said to my husband, 'this is our Lotto win'. He's safe, he's alive and it's a miracle."