1 December 2008
Hamilton Police are praising the actions of two passers-by who smashed the rear windscreen of an overturned car to rescue a woman trapped by fire.
Senior Sergeant Kevin Anderson said the Toyota sedan crashed on Normandy Road about midnight.
"The driver has lost control and the car has hit a tree, ending up on its side and catching fire with the 48-year-old female driver trapped inside.
"Two passers-by, 18 and a 20-year-old men have come across the crash and tried to tip the car back on its wheels to get the woman out, but it was too slippery. When that didn't work they found a concrete block, smashed the rear windscreen and climbed into the car to drag the woman to safety," said Mr Anderson.
The driver suffered minor injuries and was treated by St John paramedics at the scene, fire fighters arrived and extinguished the blaze which caused extensive damage to the vehicle.
"The quick actions of the two men saved the driver from serious harm, fire fighters told us had they not acted when they did we could have been looking at a fatality," said Mr Anderson
"Their actions were courageous with little regard for their own safety and Police will be looking at appropriate ways to recognise their bravery."