Mark Couch details his miraculous escape from burning car on Sunshine Motorway

A Sunshine Coast man has detailed the terrifying moment he was almost burnt to death while he was driving home on the motorway when his car’s engine caught on fire. See the video.

A Sunshine Coast man has detailed the terrifying moment he was almost burnt to a crisp while he was driving home on the motorway when his car’s engine caught on fire.

Mark Couch, 45, of Maroochydore, was driving home from watching a sprintcar event at Toowoomba on Monday about 2am, when he nearly lost his life.

He was driving by himself along the Sunshine Motorway, between the Dixon Rd and Kawana Way exits when it happened.

Mark Couch’s burnt car. Picture – contributed.

The Buderim Private Hospital theatre orderly said he was feeling “shocked, horrified, scared and disbelief”.

“Not the end to a great night I was expecting, but f--k I’m lucky to get out of this ball of flames unscathed (physically),” he said.

“I managed to kick the door glass to climb out through the window as flames and smoke entered the cab through the engine bay into the passenger side.

“How the f--k I got out is anyone’s guess as it went up so f-----g quickly.”

Mark Couch, of Maroochydore, was lucky to escape with is life. Picture – contributed.

The horrified driver said the central locking had melted in the fire, forcing him to kick his way out of the driver’s window to escape certain death.

“I managed to get out just prior to it completely going up, very scary and have no idea how I got out alive,” Mr Couch said.

“I think adrenaline just kicked in and I knew it was fight or die basically.

“I’m still very shaken and reliving the moments over and over again in my mind...it’s hard to look at the photos.”

Mark Couch’s burnt car. Picture – contributed.

Having lived on the Sunshine Coast with his family since 2007, Mr Couch said he felt grateful to have his life.

“I have a wife and together we have four children aged from 17 to 25,” he said.

“I haven’t had time to reflect properly yet, still absorbing it all.

“Very thankful it wasn’t my time though.”

He said he was still in shock, but was grateful for those around him.

“My vehicle basically burned to the ground in front of me. I’m in a fair bit of shock from it all but I’m just glad I managed to finally get out ok,” Mr Couch said.

Mark Couch was driving along the motorway when his car engine caught on fire. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“The situation was scary and intense. Luckily I found the adrenaline to get myself out safely.

“I’m recounting this event over and over in my head which is distressing.

“How I came away from this alive with mental scars alone is a miracle.

“I am surrounded by the best friends and family anyone could ask for.

“I just think how lucky it was being a diesel and not petrol as it would’ve just exploded.”

The Queensland Police Service confirmed the crash and a spokeswoman said it wasn’t suspicious.