THREE men had a lucky escape after their car crashed into a wall at Heap Bridge.

Now firefighters are warning people of the importance of wearing seatbelts after it was thought at least one passenger was not belted up.

Bury and Heywood firefighters assisted police and paramedics at the scene, beside the Junction Two roundabout of the M66, at 2.10am on Saturday.

The driver was found at the side of the car and the steering wheel had bent due to the force of the impact.

Two passengers trapped in the back of the car were rescued by firefighters.

Watch manager Steve Wilcock, from Bury Fire Station, said: “The force of the collision pushed concrete blocks down an embankment where there is quite a drop to the river. They were lucky the car stayed on the road.

“The rear seat passenger was in considerable pain, so we got him out first. He was between the footwell so we had to cut the rear door off to get him out. Early indications are he may not have been wearing a seatbelt.”

He urged: “Everyone must wear a seatbelt — it doesn’t matter if you are travelling in the front seat or the back seat, it’s so significant in keeping you safe and it’s a two-second job.”

Two of the men were taken to Salford Royal Hospital and one was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital. About 10 police cars, five North West Ambulance Service vehicles and two fire engines were at the scene.