Watch: Dramatic video footage shows the rooftop fire rescue
A crane worker who lifted a man to safety from a burning high-rise building in Reading has been thanked by the fire service.
Crane operator Glen Edwards used a cage to rescue the workman, who was surrounded by flames and thick smoke.
The fire service said: “Without their actions, we may be looking at an entirely different scenario.”
Mr Edwards lifted a man to safety from the fire as flames and smoke billowed around him
Wayne Bowcock, chief fire officer at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, said: “I would like to add my thanks to the crane operator for an incredibly skilful rescue under extremely difficult circumstances.”
Footage captured by bystanders showed the moment Mr Edwards, 65, used the winch he was operating to move a cage towards the workman.
Crowds below broke out in applause as the man was lifted in the air and down to safety.
Mr Edwards, who had been working at the site before the blaze broke out, played down his heroics.
“I don’t want to blow it up too much, I’m not that sort of person,” he said.
More than 50 firefighters were called to fight the blaze at Station Hill in Reading
Another man was also lifted from the building by crane, firefighters said.
South Central Ambulance Service said two people were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, but neither case was severe.
Mr Bowcock added: “On behalf of the service, I would like to extend our best wishes to the two people who were rescued from the building and wish them a speedy recovery.”
The fire service said all other people had been accounted for.
At 14:20 GMT on Thursday, the fire service confirmed the fire had been put out. At its peak, more than 50 firefighters were on the scene from fire stations across the county.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
