World
On November 23, 2023, a dramatic rescue unfolded in Reading, Berkshire, as a crane operator, Glen Edwards, saved a worker trapped on a burning high-rise building at the Station Hill construction site. The incident highlighted the bravery and skill of Mr. Edwards, who has since been praised by fire officials and nominated for a bravery award.
The Incident
The fire broke out shortly after 11:30 AM, prompting a significant response from emergency services. Fifty firefighters, along with an Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit, were dispatched to the scene. The blaze was located on the 12th and 13th floors of a high-rise building under construction, with thick black smoke billowing into the air14.
As the situation became critical, Glen Edwards, a 65-year-old crane operator with over 30 years of experience, sprang into action. He maneuvered a cage to rescue a worker who was trapped on the roof, surrounded by flames and dense smoke. The rescue was complicated by windy conditions, which made it difficult to position the cage safely23.
The Rescue
Mr. Edwards described the rescue as a "very close call," noting that he was only about 20 meters up in the air when he spotted the stranded worker. He quickly attached a cage to the crane and extended it towards the worker, who was able to climb in and be lifted to safety35.
The rescue was met with cheers from onlookers, who witnessed the dramatic scene unfold. Steve Reynolds, a nearby worker, described seeing a "ball of flames" before the crane arrived, adding that it was "pretty terrifying" but also a moment of relief as the worker was safely rescued1.
Aftermath
Two people, including the individual rescued by the crane, were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, neither case was severe14. The fire was eventually extinguished by mid-afternoon, with crews remaining on site to dampen down hotspots4.
Recognition
Glen Edwards's heroic actions have been widely recognized. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Wayne Bowcock praised Mr. Edwards for his "incredibly skilful rescue under extremely difficult circumstances," stating that without his actions, the outcome could have been much worse24. Mr. Edwards has also been nominated for a bravery award at the BBC Radio Berkshire Make A Difference Awards6.
The Station Hill Development
The Station Hill development, where the fire occurred, is a major £750 million project aimed at creating a business and living quarter near Reading train station. The incident highlights the importance of safety measures and emergency preparedness at construction sites2.
Sources:
Athena Stavrou, The Independent - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fire-in-reading-today-station-napier-road-b2452434.html
The Independent - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/reading-burning-building-crane-driver-b2453197.html
The Independent - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/reading-fire-rescue-glen-edwards-b2452858.html