
A taxi driver has been hailed a hero after rescuing two motorists from their smoking vehicles following a head-on collision in Rotherham.
The crash, which involved a BMW and a Saab on Pleasley Road, left both drivers trapped inside as fire began to break out.
The Swallownest-based driver was travelling just two cars behind the accident when he witnessed the impact. He immediately “switched into a ‘mode’” and grabbed a fire extinguisher from his minibus, which he usually uses for school runs.
Recounting the “very traumatising” scene, the driver explained how he fought back the flames.
“She was trapped in the first car, there was loads of smoke and a bit of fire,” he said. “I put the fire out in the first and then the second, which wasn’t as bad.”
The rescuer attempted to force the car doors open to reach the women but found them jammed shut by the severity of the damage.
He even “hit myself in the face” with a handle due to the sheer force he used trying to break in.
Emergency services arrived within minutes to cut the women free, with firefighters later confirming the cabbie had “done the right thing” by suppressing the fire before it could spread.
One of the women was seriously injured but has since been discharged from hospital, while the second driver - who is known to the cabbie - is recovering but requires further surgery.
The driver, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that there were no passengers on his minibus during the rescue, adding that he “don’t want to experience the like of it again.”

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The updated charges are scheduled to take effect following a 24-day consultation period, during which the public and trade members can submit objections.
