THE HEROIC efforts of bystanders at Monday’s Caltex Service Station fire have earned a thumbs up from the city, with emergency services being flooded with requests to recognise rescuers.
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Civilians sprang into action when an elderly man and woman’s vehicle careened into a petrol bowser and burst into flames on Monday afternoon, dragging the pair from their burning car.
The action was captured on video, which has since been shared online more than 1500 times.
Armidale Fire Station Commander Wayne Zikan was on the scene shortly after the rescues took place.
He said the efforts of bystanders were impressive.
“They’re certainly worthy of recognition for what they’ve done,” Commander Zikan said.
“[Civilians] very often are on the scene first, before emergency services can arrive. “Sometimes they feel the need to act.”
One of those people was Abbotsleigh Motor Inn’s Ivan Smith, who helped to remove the elderly male driver from the burning vehicle.
He said his response was almost instinctive.
“First of all I heard the tyres,” Mr Smith said.
“I heard that and I look out the window and saw them [drive] at great speed at the petrol bowsers. “I thought, ‘well I gotta get this guy out’.
“You have to do what you can and hope that other people come and help.”
Commander Zikan said he would look into how to best recognise the actions of bystanders.
Armidale Police Station duty officer Inspector Roger Best said New England Local Area Command had been flooded with calls from the public wanting to applaud the rescuers’ efforts.
“It is plainly clear from this video and from information provided by witnesses that some significant recognition is warranted,” Inspector Best said.
“When you look at it, they’ve done some pretty good stuff.
“Those involved clearly placed saving the lives of others above their own personal safety.”