A driver miraculously survived after his car exploded mid-air and plunged into a river.

The speeding vehicle was catapulted into the air before clipping the edge of an unfinished bridge and bursting into flames in Bashkiria, Russia.

Shocking CCTV footage shows the four-wheeler erupting over the Bystry Tanyp River on September 7, before crashing into the water, which extinguished the fire.

Bridge workers said they were awakened by a loud bang and later discovered tyre marks, a bumper, and a licence plate left behind at the site.

They alerted emergency responders, and the driver was taken to hospital for treatment.

Local media reported that the man is currently recovering from his injuries.

An investigation into the incident is underway.