The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue service has praised a crane operator who rescued a man from a burning high-rise building in Reading. The fire broke out on Thursday at the Station Hill development site in the Berkshire town. After being surrounded by flames and thick smoke, a workman was lifted to safety by crane operator Glen Edwards using a cage. Without Mr Edwards’ swift actions, the scenario could have been very different, according to the fire service.
Wayne Bowcock, chief fire officer at Royal Berkshire, added his thanks for the crane operator’s skilful rescue under challenging conditions. Footage captured by bystanders showed the moment Edwards, who had been working at the site before the start of the blaze, used the winch he was operating to move a cage towards the trapped worker. Applause broke out among crowds below as the man was lifted to safety.
Another person was rescued from the blaze using a crane, according to firefighters. South Central Ambulance Service said two people had been taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. No severe cases were reported.
The site developer, Sir Robert McAlpine, said that safety procedures had worked and everyone was safe, adding that professionals will reach out to provide support services for those affected. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and a thorough investigation is currently underway. The HSE has also launched an investigation into the incident
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