A car mechanic from Oldham has earned himself hero status by rescuing a small child from a burning building.
Rob Day was carrying out roadside car repairs in Derker when he saw flames burst out from a building a few doors down. When he heard the cries of a toddler inside, called Tye, the 18-stone mechanic kicked down the front door and ran inside, emerging moments later with the child.
In his professional life, the mechanic could avoid having to make such acts of heroism by obtaining a combined motor trade insurance policy which would protect the garage building and all the valuables inside against fire damage. This would mean that he could save himself the danger of wading into the flames, safe in the knowledge that he has a business insurance policy that will protect the important and expensive assets within.
Mr Day, 42, said after the incident: “It’s humbling and a bit embarrassing. It was one of those things. I am a father of two girls and something took over. You don’t think about yourself, just the child upstairs.”
The home in Oldham that caught fire belongs to mother of two Danielle Somerset. Fire crews arrived on the scene shortly after Mr Day had carried the toddler away from the blaze; when the firefighters went inside they found Ms Somerset unconscious downstairs in the front room - she has since been taken to hospital where she is being treated.
Ms Somerset's grandmother Mary Moulton, 64, told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s a really worrying time. We’re just waiting for news.
“But we’re so grateful to the man that saved Tye. Without him, Tye could’ve died.”
