1. Turn it off 2. Put into neutral 3. Hit the brakes
Any one of those 3 would have done it, and no the steering wheel won't lock up as long as you don't turn the key all the way off. Even if it does you can still come to a stop quickly as there is still assist power in the brakes for a few seconds afterwards.
The driver is an idiot.
Even motoring experts have done tests (lock in WOT (wide open throttle) and test to see if it can be stopped with just the brakes.
the brakes can overcome anything from the engine. (you need to press them hard and hold them there, if you press them softly they will wear out and be ineffective).
