A WOMAN had a lucky escape when her car set on fire on the motorway.

Elaine Brophy was driving home to Ramsbottom from Shaw shortly after finishing work at 10pm on Tuesday.

She was near Simister Island on the M66 when she heard a pop in the engine and pulled over on to the hard shoulder to call for roadside assistance.

She got out of the car, a Ford Puma, and just seconds later it burst into flames.

Steve Wilcock, watch manager at Bury fire station, said: “The woman was shocked at how quickly the car set on fire and she did the right thing getting out the vehicle.

“But there is an important point to make here — the warning light on the dashboard had been flickering on and off in the few days running up to the fire.

“We would advise people that if electrical appliances do not seem to be working properly or warning lights come on, get it checked out as soon as possible.”