BBC DJ and family caught in 'terrifying' three-car motorway crash

27 June 2024 , 12:12
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The star has been part of the BBC since 2002 in a wide range of roles
The star has been part of the BBC since 2002 in a wide range of roles

A POPULAR radio DJ revealed he and his family were in a ‘terrifying’ crash on a motorway.

Nihal Arthanayake, 53, is known as a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Nihal Arthanayake revealed he and his family were involved in a collision on the M60 qhiquqiddeiqkuprw
Nihal Arthanayake revealed he and his family were involved in a collision on the M60Credit: Alamy
Their car collided with another car, which had been hit by a lorry
Their car collided with another car, which had been hit by a lorryCredit: X/TherealNihal
Nihal has enjoyed a varied career across radio, music and TV
Nihal has enjoyed a varied career across radio, music and TVCredit: PA

The broadcaster said his wife and son were also present when his car was hit by another vehicle, which had been hit by a lorry, on the M60.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Nihal said he "clung on to that steering wheel for dear life" in order to keep his car steady and avoid hitting the central reservation.

Nihal added that he and his family “walked away” from the incident and no one else was injured in the crash, which took place on June 25.

Kylie Jenner goes braless in mesh catsuit for new snaps on New Year's EveKylie Jenner goes braless in mesh catsuit for new snaps on New Year's Eve

Meanwhile, a picture included with the post showed the rear left wing of the radio DJ's car hanging off, with a large dint above the wheel arch. 

Famous followers rushed to wish Nihal and his family well, including  including poet and podcast presenter, George the Poet, Labour MP Dawn Butler, and TV historian David Olusoga.

His caption of the image of the damaged car reads: "Two hours ago a lorry hit a car which hit me on the M60. I clung onto that steering wheel for dear life to try and keep the car steady and not hit the central reservation. 

“Wife next to me and son in the back. Terrifying."

In his comment, George the Poet wrote: “So sorry to hear that bro, but glad no one was hurt.

“Big up you for steering your family to safety.”

One of the radio star's followers commented: "Glad you’re all ok. Obviously no idea about how or why this happened but the impact on everyone, even the lorry driver could be huge."

A grateful Nihal replied: "That is a really good point. Spoke to the recovery driver about this."

Last month it was announced Nihal will leave his daytime show on BBC Radio 5 Live and front a new Sunday evening interview show for the station, as well as an extended podcast.

The former Radio 1 presenter wrote on X: "Hello everyone, some professional news from me.

Stacey Solomon says her life a 'mess' as she makes New Year's resolutionStacey Solomon says her life a 'mess' as she makes New Year's resolution

"I am leaving daytimes on @bbc5live to concentrate on the aspect of broadcasting I love most, which is in depth long form interviews, which I will continue to do on @bbc5live on Sunday evenings and the Headliners Podcast.

"I also need more time to finish my second book! And have more time to do the things that I never seem to have time to.

"Thank you for being such an incredible audience for the last 8 years! My last daytime show will be 27th June. let's have a party."

Nihal's radio show is broadcast Monday-Thursday 1pm-4pm.

The broadcaster announced last month that he had quit is Radio 5 Live show after eight years
The broadcaster announced last month that he had quit is Radio 5 Live show after eight years

Conor O'Brien

Road Laws, Radio, Instagram, Car Maintenance, BBC Radio 1, BBC ONE, BBC

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