Matt O'Donoughoe, 25 and 17-year-old workmate Ryan Betts, from Rackheath-based JPB Scaffolding Services, were returning home from a job in Fakenham.

The collision which also involved a VW Golf happened on the A1067, at Little Ryburgh, on Monday night.

'We just saw a black Golf heading towards us and then bang - he hit the truck,' said Mr Betts. 'I remember the truck crunching up around us. I was OK, I got out, but my mate Matt was trapped, his leg was stuck.'

Mr Betts said the Ford Transit pick-up's load of metal scaffolding poles flew off in the crash, ending up in a ditch. He said emergency services quickly arrived on the scene of the collision, which happened at around 6.25pm.

'There were ambulances, fire engines, police, a helicopter, it was amazing how we survived,' said Mr Betts.

Fire crews from Fakenham, one from Dereham and the heavy rescue pump from Carrow were sent to the incident. The busy road was closed in both directions, as crews used hydraulic heavy rescue equipment to free Mr O'Donoughoe and the Golf driver from their vehicles.

The East of England Ambulance Service said it sent three ambulance crews, two rapid response vehicles, two ambulance officers and the East Anglian Air Ambulance to the crash scene.

Mr O'Donoughoe was airlifted to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) for treatment to a broken femur.

Mr Betts was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at King's Lynn to be treated for bruises and stiffness.

The male driver of the Golf was taken to the NNUH with a suspected fractured wrist, cuts and bruises.

Police are appealing for information about the collision. Any witnesses should call PC Matthew Harris, at Swaffham roads policing, on 101.