A HEAVILY pregnant woman was rescued by firefighters on Christmas Day, after the vehicle she was travelling in became stuck on a steep incline in the icy conditions at Launceston.

At around 6.10pm, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service were called to Hurdon Water after the vehicle had driven down a steep unclassified road and due to icy road conditions had become stuck on a steep incline.

There were two passengers in the vehicle, a man and a pregnant woman.

Two fire brigade appliances from Launceston attended the incident, with Station Officer Gary Chapman in charge.

The vehicle had been secured to a telegraph pole and the passengers were unable to leave the car without the threat of serious injury.

Due to treacherous icy road conditions, fire crews could only get to within a quarter of a mile of the vehicle.

After assessing the situation, firefighters used ropes and safety lines to manoeuvre around the vehicle, and rescued the occupants using a stretcher, safety at height and confined spaces pack and general purpose lines.

The rescue took two-and-a-half hours and once rescued, police officers took the man and woman to a safe place.

The road was closed by Cornwall Highways, and police and ambulance also attended.

S/O Chapman said the crews worked very hard to carry out the rescue.