RESCUING a man from a burning car while delivering shopping was all in a day’s work for a heroic Worcester duo.
Supermarket delivery drivers Ben Rowe and Leo Kuriakose have been recognised by the Worcestershire Safeguarding Adults Board for their efforts in helping a man trapped in a burning car.
They were driving between deliveries in the Warndon area of Worcester when they encountered the stricken driver.
They selflessly stopped and immediately helped the man to get out of his car, their speed of action quite possibly saving his life.
Ben said: “It was a moment I’ll never forget. Instinct just took over, and we immediately pulled over to see what we could do to help. We’re glad that the gentleman was safe and well following the incident.”
Leo continued: “In our role as delivery drivers, we are there to help people and provide a service, and that doesn’t just apply to our customers. I’m really pleased we were in the right place at the right time to be able to help.”
Ben has worked for Tesco in Warndon for 20 years, and Leo was his trainee colleague at the time but is now a fully fledged delivery driver.
Ben and Leo were nominated by Jonathan New, their colleague at Tesco Warndon.
Jon is no stranger to the Safeguarding Adults Awards, after being nominated for an award last year, for the support he offered to a customer while making deliveries.
Kerry McCrossan, assistant director for adult social care at Worcestershire County Council, added: “I’m really pleased we were able to take the opportunity to recognise Ben and Leo’s lifesaving efforts. Their story is nothing short of incredible, and reminds us that safeguarding is everyone’s business, day in, day out, and their brave actions protected this person from further harm. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to say thank you for their extremely quick and selfless actions.”
Worcestershire County Council is one of three statutory partners on the Worcestershire Safeguarding Adults Board, (WSAB) alongside Health organisations and West Mercia Police.
