One woman said she was scared when her car broke down in the middle of the road in Cleethorpes – just two hours after passing her driving test.
Liliana Wilson, 18, was driving down Trinity Road at 11am on Wednesday January 26 when she realized she had put diesel in her car’s tank instead of petrol and the vehicle suddenly broke down.
She had only passed her driving test two hours earlier and was now driving her car alone for the first time.
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Several people drove past her and could see she was upset – but only one person stopped to help.
Liliana told Grimsby Live: “I passed my test and the first thing I had to do was go to Tesco and fill up my tank. I was maybe five minutes away from home and realized I had the wrong fuel in my tank so I collapsed in the middle of the road quickly lit up and a lot of people drove past me they looked at me through the window and saw that I got upset and then a nice taxi driver pulled over.
“I think he was on his way to drop someone off, but he stopped and asked if I broke down. I said yes, and then he wheeled me all the way down the hill and sat me on the curb so I was out of everyone’s way.
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Liliana Wilson from Cleethorpes has just passed her driving test and accidentally put diesel in her petrol car
(Image: GrimsbyLive/Donna Clifford)
“It was terrible. I was probably there for about five minutes but it felt like a lot longer. I called my mother and said ‘I don’t know what to do’ and the taxi driver stopped shortly after.
“I know what he looks like, if I saw him I would know who it was. But because I was in a panic, I didn’t even look at his license plate. I kind of remember what his car looks like, but that’s pretty. The only thing I remember was him and his face.
“He was probably in his fifties and had gray hair. He smiled and had a little chip in his tooth, I remember that.
“He was really helpful. I was just there crying my eyes out and thinking, ‘Someone please help me!’ But the taxi driver really restored my faith in humanity.
“I was in a panic so I didn’t think to say his name or anything. He took the time and effort to get me on the curb and it just showed that there are some really kind hearted people out there.
“I just want to thank him so much. He had a job, but he made the effort to help a young person. He was reassuring and I would just like to thank him.”
After the incident, Liliana’s mother, Annabelle O’Neill, searched Facebook for the mystery cab driver.
She wrote: “Hello, just trying to find a taxi driver who helped my 18 year old daughter today, would like to thank him.
“She passed her driving test this morning and ended up driving off on her own but unfortunately broke down on Trinity Road near the Taylors Avenue junction. She drove a small red Citroën.
“The poor thing was so upset and so many cars drove past her with the dangers on and didn’t stop. But this amazing man stopped and helped her move her car to a safer place. For which, as her mother, I am truly grateful. “
If you’re the cabbie hero, email lauren.davidson@reachplc.com
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