Hero crane driver

Crinkle77 · 23/11/2023 23:07

I've not seen it but perhaps they don't want to especially after doing something potentially quite traumtic

StiffyByngsDogBartholomew · 23/11/2023 23:14

Looks like he is a very modest chap from the media reports. He probably didn't want to be plastered all over thr news

Whatineed · 23/11/2023 23:15

Local news covered him... www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/not-your-average-day-heroic-28160704

IcyColdAlice · 23/11/2023 23:20

Absolute hero.

Fawbs89 · 23/11/2023 23:21

Literally amazing I watched a video of the rescue earlier this evening!

Carsarelife · 23/11/2023 23:37

My heart was in my mouth watching that. He must be an incredibly experienced crane driver. Just brilliant. Bet the construction worker thought his days were numbered

Flickersy · 23/11/2023 23:46

billycat321 · 23/11/2023 23:04

Graphic shots of man being rescued from blazing building in Reading by crane driver maneouvering with such skill. Why isn't he/she not being interviewed on media before being carried shoulder-high through the streets? Bravery award from the King at least.

Because this isn't an Enid Blyton novel.

Clafoutie · 24/11/2023 00:08

Flickersy · 23/11/2023 23:46

Because this isn't an Enid Blyton novel.

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Nothing wrong with recognising bravery where it has saved someone’s life. Have you seen the footage? It does suggest the crane driver was extremely skilled. It looked like an impossible task, but he did it, and someone is still alive as a result.

Flickersy · 24/11/2023 00:18

Clafoutie · 24/11/2023 00:08

Nothing wrong with recognising bravery where it has saved someone’s life. Have you seen the footage? It does suggest the crane driver was extremely skilled. It looked like an impossible task, but he did it, and someone is still alive as a result.

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I have, and it's spectacular.

Carrying someone shoulder high through the streets though is cringe worthy.

VeniVidiWeeWee · 24/11/2023 00:34

Clafoutie · 24/11/2023 00:08

Nothing wrong with recognising bravery where it has saved someone’s life. Have you seen the footage? It does suggest the crane driver was extremely skilled. It looked like an impossible task, but he did it, and someone is still alive as a result.

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Bravery? No. At no point was the crane driver st risk.

They were very skilful, and quick thinking, but not brave

otherwayup · 24/11/2023 00:38

Maybe he's just at peace knowing that the man he saved is ok?

Your post is odd. Do you really think people crave recognition from King Charles? I certainly don't and there's a strong possibility the man in question is the same!

needtonamechangeforthis1 · 24/11/2023 00:39

@VeniVidiWeeWee he was at risk!!! The crane was on the top of the building!!! He was absolutely in a dangerous situation!

Neelsplace · 24/11/2023 00:54

It sounds as if it was a team effort though, the man operating the crane directed by his supervisor ? So somewhere out there I think there’s another hero too, the one who made the quick decision to put the cage on and instruct the crane man. Very heroic of everyone involved. Must have been stressful, with the audience on the ground and everyone filming the effort… imagine the pressure 🙈

BMW6 · 24/11/2023 06:53

needtonamechangeforthis1 · 24/11/2023 00:39

@VeniVidiWeeWee he was at risk!!! The crane was on the top of the building!!! He was absolutely in a dangerous situation!

Are you saying that the crane was on the top of the building that was on fire???

Moonmelodies · 24/11/2023 07:06

VeniVidiWeeWee · 24/11/2023 00:34

Bravery? No. At no point was the crane driver st risk.

They were very skilful, and quick thinking, but not brave

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Crane drivers are always at risk - it's a dangerous job at the best of times.

Prettypaisleyslippers · 24/11/2023 07:11

There was huge applause and cheering before ambulance crews took two people to hospital, not sure what more you want, they would have been incredibly busy and stressed.

it was a major incident, HSE will be all over it and everyone involved very relieved that people evacuated safely, the crane driver was brilliant.

Girlsjustwannahavefundamentalrights · 24/11/2023 07:36

Yeah he was very skilled and did well to save that man but... Carrying him through the streets and a prize from Charlie? Have you been drinking?

honeylulu · 24/11/2023 08:05

He was amazing! He wasn't "in danger" himself but he had literally seconds to place the cage, steady it and then lift it away before the fire engulfed the poor chap. Even just after the cage lifts off you can see a ball of fire and smoke surge towards it and just miss it. It must have taken so much skill and the pressure on the crane driver to get it right must have been immense.

He seems like a modest sort of chap though so he might not want a lot of fuss let alone a royal accolade! I'm sure he's had lots of offers to buy him a pint.

I'm overly invested in this as I live nearby and could see the smoke from my window - had a look out after wondering why so many sirens!

FloydPepper · 24/11/2023 08:08

Prettypaisleyslippers · 24/11/2023 07:11

There was huge applause and cheering before ambulance crews took two people to hospital, not sure what more you want, they would have been incredibly busy and stressed.

it was a major incident, HSE will be all over it and everyone involved very relieved that people evacuated safely, the crane driver was brilliant.

So this might be the one time that “and then everyone clapped” actually happened

Singleandproud · 24/11/2023 08:23

@billycat321 You could nominate him for your local Fire and Rescue Awards night, they have a section where they cover civilians and you get a nice certificate (I have one) and it's a lovely evening.

BeadedBubbles · 24/11/2023 08:29

needtonamechangeforthis1 · 24/11/2023 00:39

@VeniVidiWeeWee he was at risk!!! The crane was on the top of the building!!! He was absolutely in a dangerous situation!

Of course the crane wasn't on top of the building!

GoodOldEmmaNess · 24/11/2023 09:35

I'm sure that at least 50% of people would rather lay low and avoid media attention after doing something like this. Not everyone wants to have their 15 minutes of fame.

ButterCrackers · 24/11/2023 09:38

He acted to save a life and that deserves recognition. Quick thinking, skill and kindness plus the ability to think straight under immense pressure. Well done that man.

Whatineed · 24/11/2023 10:30

BeadedBubbles · 24/11/2023 08:29

Of course the crane wasn't on top of the building!

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Very often on very tall construction the crane is on top of a tall building.

This crane looks like it was in close position or attached to the building on fire though.

Most of these cranes have ladder access only. So what he did was indeed courageous as he stayed in the crane to save the man rather than exiting for his own safety. He would've delayed his exit while his cabin was at risk in the smoke, wind and heat, and have to ascend the stairs in those conditions, and at 65 years old.

My partner is a crane operator and it's a pretty dangerous job.

Rosecoffeecup · 24/11/2023 10:40

The video gives me the heebie jeebies, the chap on the roof did very well to stay calm in what is a terrifying situation.

I'm sure the crane operator will be in line for an award, whether it's from the fire service or a gallantry award. What an incredibly brave man, especially under so much pressure.