Leicestershire Fire and Rescue crews have reported how the occupants of a car had a lucky escape on the A42 between Coalville and Ashby today (Monday).

A collision on the southbound carriageway caused delays of around an hour for traffic - and a crew from Coalville Fire Station attended the scene.

But, as the fire service photos released on social media show, the incident could have been far more serious.

The pictures contain photos of the wrecked vehicles following the incident at around mid-day.

But fire crews said that the occupants of the silver car had got out 'just before it was rear-ended'.

A message on the Coalville station's social media explained the importance of leaving the vehicle as soon as possible if you are forced to stop on the carriageway.

It said: This morning the duty crew from Coalville and the OnCall section from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Ashby Station attended a Road Traffic Collision on the A42. 

"Luckily all occupants from the vehicles suffered no major injuries. 

"If your vehicle breaks down or is involved in an incident on in the carriageway, at the safest and earliest opportunity, it is advised that you exit the vehicle and stand behind the crash barrier away from the incident. 

"Luckily, the occupants from the silver car had just vacated their vehicle before it was rear-ended. 

"This could have been a very different story."