Police drag occupants from crashed car moments before inferno
POLICE officers on a routine night patrol in Rotherham turned lifesavers to rescue two occupants - one trapped inside - from a burning car moments before it was engulfed in flames.
The drama happened as Rotherham constables Matt Parkes and Lauren Taylor were on a proactive mobile patrol in the Moorgate area of town.
As the officers approached Moorgate Road, they spotted a vehicle which had crashed, rolling onto its side and – by that time – smoking.
They sprang into immediate action to save the occupants and found the driver in a state of shock.
As they assisted him, they were initially unaware that a second occupant was in the vehicle.
Fire broke out and the pair realised the passenger was stuck because his seatbelt had jammed.
Both officers ignored the danger they faced to help free him, and were successful in doing so just before the vehicle was engulfed by fire.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded, to douse the blaze.
The two officers’ bravery and quick-witted reaction have now won praise from within the service.
Rotherham Response Chf Insp Kay Fitzgerald said: "PC Parkes and Taylor acted with outstanding bravery and courage.
“They immediately acted, putting their own safety at risk, to ensure the two occupants were saved from serious harm.
"Their actions exemplified one of our core duties as police officers - to protect lives. They are a credit to the force and I hope the public will share my gratitude to them for potentially saving the lives of these two men."