The 56-year-old comedian was driving his McLaren F1 supercar — one of the world's fastest road cars — when he crashed late Thursday, striking a tree and a lamppost before the vehicle caught fire, authorities said.

Firefighters said Atkinson hadn't been trapped inside the car. Britain's Daily Mirror tabloid reported that the actor was able to walk away from the vehicle and flag down other motorists for help.

Atkinson was seen leaving Peterborough City Hospital with four security guards Friday afternoon, but made no comment to reporters.
The accident occurred close to Haddon, a village about 85 miles (140 kilometers) north of London. Atkinson was given a routine breathalyzer test at the scene and will face no criminal charges, police said.