A drunk driver turned into a human fireball after crashing his car and setting it ablaze in a dramatic traffic incident caught on CCTV.

The shocking accident happened in the city of Magnitogorsk, Russia, at around 10:48am on 20th May.

The 35-year-old man behind the wheel of a blue SWM G01, a Chinese-made crossover SUV, was trying to turn left when he lost control of the vehicle.

Footage shows the car speeding past a grey Mini that is forced to slam on its brakes to avoid a collision on the rain-soaked road.

The blue SUV then fails to make the turn at the junction and smashes into a metal guardrail at high speed.

The impact ruptures the fuel system and petrol begins spilling from underneath the vehicle.

It is then ignited, apparently by contact with the hot exhaust, sparking a terrifying blaze.

The driver scrambles from the burning wreckage but is instantly engulfed in flames as he emerges.

Eyewitnesses watch in horror as the man flings himself onto the wet road surface and rolls frantically to put out the fire.

Several pedestrians nearby rush over to help, guiding the badly burned man away from the danger zone.

He was later taken to hospital with injuries described as burns of varying severity.

Doctors who examined him confirmed he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Police have issued two citations: one for driving under the influence and another for damaging public infrastructure.

The vehicle was removed to a secure parking compound while investigators assessed the scene.

Authorities have reiterated warnings about the lethal risks of drink-driving and urged anyone who suspects a driver is over the limit to immediately call the local traffic police.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)