A FIREMAN from Kearsley is recovering after a fire engine collided with a car, killing the driver.

The 42-year-old fireman -- who was driving the vehicle -- suffered minor injuries in the crash with the Ford Escort in Barton, Manchester.

The driver, a 39-year-old man from Eccles, had to be cut free from the wreckage and firefighters gave him first aid at the scene.

He was taken to Hope Hospital, Salford, but later died from head injuries in the accident and emergency department. The firefighter was taken to hospital but later released.

The collision occurred at 12.10pm on Monday at Liverpool Road, Irlam, close to Makro Cash and Carry.

Two fire engines were answering a 999 call to a fire involving a microwave oven at a residential home at the time of the collision.

Deputy County Fire Officer for Greater Manchester, Tony Proctor, said: "I offer our sincere and heart-felt condolences to the family of the man concerned. We will fully co-operate with the police and accident team to investigate the cause of this tragic accident."

One lane of Liverpool Road was closed in both directions for almost five hours.