Sea Lots heroes rescue man from burning car

Senior Reporter

otto.carrington@cnc3.co.tt

The heroic actions of two Sea Lots residents, who rescued a man from a burning vehicle, have captured widespread attention and praise.

Just after 6 am yesterday near Production Drive, Sea Lots, on the northbound lane of Beetham Highway, a car crashed, flipped and its engine started smoking.

Without hesitation, Dshawn Hamilton and Terrance David jumped into action.Their calls for help at a nearby police impound compound went unanswered and after another man shouted to them that the car could explode at any moment, Hamilton and David managed to pull the man out to safety.

In interviews with Guardian Media, the two heroes called for an end to the stigmatisation of their community. They said many Sea Lots residents are willing help to anyone in need, reflecting the spirit of goodwill that defines their neighbourhood.

Their courageous efforts not only saved a life but shined a light on positive aspects of the Sea Lots community. They urged the public to recognise and appreciate the kindness and bravery that often go unnoticed.

David said although they were warned by onlookers not to intervene, he and his friend were determined to help.

“We can’t just see that going on there. On my way back in, my partner here was walking out to work at the market. He didn’t even know the bonnet was on fire and just jumped in the car, but the man was stuck and trying to get him out. People on the bypass were saying, ‘Leave him, leave him, the car is going to blow up,’ but we knew that was a life,” he said.

Hamilton, a small business owner, was the one who pulled the man from the burning car.

Reflecting on the incident, he said danger was not on his mind in the heat of the moment. It was only after rescuing the man he realised the risks involved.

“I never even thought about my life when I jumped into that car. To be real, I just looked in, saw the man moving, and heard someone shouting. I had to struggle to pull him out, and eventually, one or two others came to help. You just don’t know where something like that is going,” he said.

Hamilton explained, “It felt like I had to act, as if I were in a crashed car myself, it’s like the same thing; I would want someone to help me even though it was just a brave moment. But when I jumped out of the car and started thinking about my life, I didn’t really consider it at that moment.”

The accident caused a massive traffic gridlock on the highway. The injured man was rushed to the hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition.

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