'Hero' rescues two men from burning car
A Leicestershire dad has been hailed a hero after pulling two people from a burning car whilst bystanders reportedly filmed the incident. The rescue happened after the car hit a lamppost near the Old Dog and Gun pub in Mansion Street, Hinckley town centre.
Andrew Cheshire, from Hinckley, was walking home just after 9pm last Wednesday (September 11) when he came across the scene. The father-of-two said that as he approached the vehicle, he saw it ignite, and flames quickly began to "engulf" the engine bay.
He could see that people were inside, and immediately sprang into action. Mr Cheshire said he broke the driver's window with his elbow, and then kicked it to enable him to reach the men. He managed to pull both occupants from the wreckage to safety while the car was alight, and some onlookers filmed the scene, he said.
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"There were about 10 to 20 people recording, but I think only one person was actually trying to help," Mr Cheshire said. "I was shouting at people to call the fire brigade and ambulance and they were too busy filming."
Mr Cheshire said: "I carried the passenger maybe 10 to 15 feet away and put him in the recovery position." He said he then returned to the car to rescue the driver.
The 29-year-old said he sustained injuries during the rescue, including damage to his elbow. He said: "My elbow is completely ruined. Even now it's killing me."
Following the incident, people praised Mr Cheshire's actions, with some calling him a hero on social media. He, however, said he did not think of himself as a hero. "I don't want to say that about myself," he said. He added that until the rescue happened, he never thought he would be able to do such a thing.
The experience has changed Mr Cheshire's outlook on life, he said. "I never realised how precious life is until then," he said.
In a statement, Leicestershire Police said: "Police were called to a report that a car had collided with a lamppost just after 9pm. Two occupants – both men – were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Inquiries into the incident are continuing."
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