Glen Edwards, a crane operator, has been celebrated as a hero following his daring rescue of a man from a burning building in Reading. Dubbed the “Bruce Willis of Reading” during his first interview on ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB), Edwards recounted the harrowing event at the Station Hill development.
The Rescue
On Thursday, Edwards, 65, was operating his crane, approximately 65.6 feet (20 meters) in the air, when he heard fire alarms around 11:40am. Spotting a man waving his coat on the building’s roof, Edwards swung into action. He manoeuvred a rescue cage attached to his crane towards the man amidst swirling winds and dense smoke, guided by two men on the ground via radio.
The Emotional Toll
Edwards admitted to GMB presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid that rewatching the footage of the rescue was an emotional experience. Despite his 30 years of experience as a crane driver, the intensity of the situation left him shaken. “I had a job to stand up after,” he said, recalling how he needed a moment to compose himself after the rescue.
The Aftermath
South Central Ambulance Service reported that two people were treated for smoke inhalation following the fire, with neither case being severe. The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue praised Edwards’s “incredibly skilful rescue,” acknowledging that his actions likely averted a more tragic outcome.
Public Reaction
Footage of the daring rescue, showing crowds applauding as Edwards safely lowered the man to the ground, went viral on social media. Edwards, however, did not watch the footage for a couple of days and was unprepared for the magnitude of the public’s response.
Future Plans
In a heartwarming gesture, Edwards expressed his desire to meet the man he rescued. He also plans to use funds raised through a fundraising page to buy drinks for everyone involved in the rescue. Emphasizing the collective effort, he humbly added, “I know I got the guy out, but it just wasn’t all about me.”
Conclusion
Glen Edwards’s quick thinking and courageous action not only saved a life but also brought a community together in admiration and gratitude. His story is a testament to the extraordinary feats of bravery and selflessness
