Witnesses described their shock and the scene of devastation after West Ham United's Michail Antonio had to be freed from his wrecked vehicle by emergency services following a horror car crash.
Antonio was involved in a smash in Essex on a Saturday afternoon, with Premier League club West Ham confirming the incident in an original statement. Subsequently, it emerged Antonio was ferried to hospital after rescue teams battled for nearly an hour to extricate him from the wreckage.
The dad-of-four is now receiving treatment at a central London hospital, as onlookers disclosed how he'd lost grip of his car and veered into trees in Theydon Bois, Essex. According to one witness speaking to The Sun: "There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999," reports the Express.
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The same eyewitness noted the treacherous conditions: "It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn't look like another car was involved. It looked like it had spun out of control."
They added, unaware of his identity at the time: "I only found out later who he was. I hope he's okay." Another recounted: "The right wing [of the car] was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver's door."
The aftermath of Michail Antonio's horror car crash
The aftermath of Michail Antonio's car crash (Image: Social Media)
They also observed the efforts to save him: "I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out."
West Ham issued a statement on that Saturday, saying: "We can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident in the Essex area. Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michail, his family and friends. The club will make no further comment this evening but issue a further update in due course."
West Ham United Training Session
Michail Antonio is being treated in hospital (Image: (Image: Getty))
Meanwhile, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service mentioned: "Crews were called at 1.02pm. Firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service."
Antonio was set to play for West Ham in their crucial Monday night game against Wolves as both teams struggle near the bottom of the Premier League table.
Born in Wandsworth, the star player kicked off his career with West Ham in 2015, racking up 323 appearances for the team since then.