Two Tesco delivery drivers have been hailed as heroes after bravely rescuing a man and his dog from a car engulfed in flames in Worcester. Ben Rowe and Leo Kuriakose were on a delivery run in Cranham Drive, Warndon, when they noticed smoke and fire emanating from a vehicle nearby.
Ben recalled, “A car came rolling along the road with flames coming from the bonnet. We were at a customer’s doorstep, so we dropped the trays and ran straight over to help.” Together, the two men managed to pull the elderly driver and his dog to safety just moments before the fire rapidly intensified.
Leo described the terrifying scene: “Once we got them out, the flames went up so fast. It was scary to witness. The man just stood there watching his car burn.” Their quick thinking and teamwork undoubtedly saved the man’s life.
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The extraordinary act of bravery was recognized at the Worcestershire Safeguarding Awards held on November 18 at Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club. Professor Keith Brown, chair of the Worcestershire Safeguarding Adults Board, praised their swift response, saying it was “likely to have saved this gentleman’s life.”
Leo revealed that a navigation error had delayed their arrival by several minutes, placing them in the perfect spot to intervene. After ensuring emergency services were called, the pair continued their delivery round and completed their shift.
Ben noted that while several bystanders recorded the incident on their phones, few stepped forward to assist. He applauded local nurses from Warndon Clinic for their support in tending to the driver after the rescue.
Tesco colleague Matt Prior shared that the fire’s flames were visible from the nearby Warndon store and that news of Ben and Leo’s heroism quickly spread on social media, with fellow staff already aware of their courageous actions upon their return.
Ben summed up the day’s events: “We came back ready to tell our story, but everyone already knew about what had happened.”