Crane operator Glen Edwards, 65, has been widely praised as a hero after he executed a daring and “incredibly skilful” rescue of a trapped workman from a massive fire engulfing a high-rise construction site in Reading, Berkshire.
The incident occurred in November 2023 at the ‘Station Hill’ development. As thick smoke and flames engulfed the top of the tower block, a workman was left trapped, standing on a small, rapidly shrinking corner of the roof not yet alight.
Mr. Edwards, a crane operator of 30 years, utilized his expertise to maneuver a cage (or “man-riser”) towards the trapped individual. Despite the intense smoke and “swirling wind” which made the rescue a tricky feat, Mr. Edwards successfully positioned the cage close enough for the worker to climb aboard and be safely lowered to the ground, to the cheers of onlookers.
Royal Berkshire’s Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, Wayne Bowcock, commended the action, stating that without Mr. Edwards’ efforts, it might have been an “entirely different scenario.” Two people were treated at a local hospital for smoke inhalation following the incident, neither of which were reported as severe cases.
Mr. Edwards, who lives near Ascot, admitted the rescue was a “very close call,” noting that by the time he got the cage over, the workman only had about two square metres of space that wasn’t on fire. He described the situation as “not your average day at work” and said the adrenaline was “out the roof.”
Following the dramatic rescue, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to “buy Glen a beer,” which quickly garnered nearly £10,000 in donations. Mr. Edwards was also honored with the Commendation Medal by the British Fire Services Association.
In a later update, it was revealed that Mr. Edwards had received a diagnosis of incurable spinal cancer, following previous treatment for cancer of the tongue. Despite this, he has faced his health battle with “optimism,” attributing the widespread community praise and recognition to helping him “keep his chin up.” As a gesture of gratitude for his heroism, a charity named Bucket List Wishes fulfilled his modest wish for new flooring and a garden shed for his home, also surprising him with new kitchen appliances, a gift voucher for bedding, and a fishing trip.
When discussing the rescue, Mr. Edwards shared that he later received a “very heartfelt letter” from the family of the man he saved.