Witnesses to the Michail Antonio car crash spoke of their horror after the West Ham United star had to be cut out of his vehicle by emergency services.
Antonio was involved in a crash in Essex on Saturday afternoon, with Premier League outfit West Ham verifying the news in an initial statement.
It was later confirmed Antonio was taken to hospital after emergency services almost an hour trying to set him free from the vehicle.
The dad of four is being cared for in a central London hospital, with witnesses revealing how he’d lost control of his car and crashed into trees at Theydon Bois, Essex.
One onlooker told The Sun: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.
“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.
“I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”
Another added: “The right wing [of the car] was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.
“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out.”
West Ham said in a statement on Saturday: “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.”
While Essex County Fire and Rescue Service stated: “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 had been due to feature for West Ham in their crunch Monday night fixture at home to Wolves, with both sides fighting for their lives towards the bottom of the Premier League table.
The Wandsworth-born ace made his debut for West Ham in 2015 and has since made 323 appearances for the club.
