Latics stars escape as Mini goes up in flames

LATICS star James Wesolowski’s car burst into flames on the hard shoulder of the motorway — but he and team-mate Alex Cisak escaped from the incident unharmed.

The Leicester-based pair had been dropped off by the team coach at the service station near home on the way back from their side’s 0-0 draw at Bournemouth to collect the Mini Cooper.

But shortly after hitting the road 24-year-old midfielder James heard a bump and pulled over. Goalkeeper Alex (22) then spotted flames coming from under the bonnet and the pair fled to a nearby field.

James called emergency services but, by the time a fire engine arrived 15 minutes later, the vehicle was unrecognisable.

He said: “The crew arrived quite quickly but when they extinguished the flames it was clear the car was a complete shell. As unfortunate as that was, I feel genuinely lucky that myself and Alex were unharmed as it could have been very nasty.

“I was concerned about other motorists too because they had to move away from the fire in order to keep a safe distance. Anything could have happened. I didn’t even spot the fire when we stopped so I think I owe Alex a few pints.”

The pair completed their journey in a taxi.