‘Good thing I have insurance’: Pregnant woman rescued from car fire on Sydney’s Eastern Distributor

A fire in Sydney’s Eastern Distributor on Thursday afternoon, caused major traffic delays, adding to commuter headaches that saw traffic banked up for 16km in the morning after a separate incident.

A pregnant woman was rescued from a burning car on Sydney’s Eastern Distributor on Thursday afternoon, causing massive traffic delays.

Greta and Sebastian Lough were driving their car along the Sydney highway where it lost power, the couple decided to pull over, where not long after the car caught on fire.

“I was just freaking out,” Mrs Lough said.

“The car was going click, click, click, click, there was smoke coming, cars beeping at us.”

Firefighters responded to the incident just after midday.

Ambulance were not far behind, transporting two passenger for smoke inhalation, after the civilians were assisting people in the tunnel.

The car was extinguished and police were on scene.

The car fire brought traffic to a standstill. Picture: Damian Oneill/Facebook

Both civilians left in stable condition and were transported to Prince of Wales hospital.

The diesel-fuelled Hyundai i40 was burnt to a crisp, and had to be towed out of the tunnel.

Greta and Sebastian were in good spirits following their horrific car fire, smiling and laughing with paramedics as they underwent necessary medical checks.

“Good thing I have insurance,” Mr Lough joked.

“It’s just a possession, so it didn't stress me out that much.”

Inside the burnout Hyundai. Picture: Onscene Bondi

The destroyed vehicle. Picture: Onscene Bondi

Both the Eastern Distributor and the Sydney Harbour Tunnel were reopened in both directions although traffic conditions were heavy on Thursday afternoon.

Traffic was banked back several kilometres southbound on the Eastern Distributor.

Diversions were in place via the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Western Distributor.

The couple rescued from the burning car. Picture: Onscene Bondi

The Eastern Distributor incident followed a nightmare morning for many M5 commuters.

Traffic was brought to a standstill after NSW Ambulance paramedics were called to the M5 Motorway approaching Queen Street near Revesby about 6.20am following a multiple vehicle crash.

Officers were told six cars and two trucks collided. No significant injuries were reported.

Traffic was banked back 16km on the M5 on Thursday morning after a multiple vehicle crash. Picture: Live Traffic

All three eastbound lanes were closed and drivers used the breakdown lane to pass as tow trucks cleared the vehicles off the road.

At one stage citybound traffic was banked back 16km to Edmondson Park.

Motorists were advised to use Henry Lawson Dr, Milperra Rd and The River Rd to rejoin the M5.

Several cars were also involved in a crash on the M4 at Greystanes.

One westbound lane was closed and traffic conditions were heavy.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area.