Two workers saved after blaze erupts at Station Hill development site in Reading
A crane operator who helped rescue two workers from a burning building in Reading has described the dramatic moment as a “close call.” The fire, which broke out early Thursday morning at the Station Hill construction site in Berkshire, prompted a swift response from emergency services and workers on-site.
Glen Edwards, 65, from Egham, Surrey, was operating a crane when he spotted one of the trapped men on the edge of the building, surrounded by thick smoke and flames. With winds making the conditions even more challenging, Edwards used the crane’s winch to lower a cage to the worker, who was safely lifted to the ground after being caught in the fire’s danger zone.
“I was only about 20 metres up, and when I looked out, I saw the man standing on the corner of the building,” Edwards recalled. “The wind was swirling around, and it made it tricky, but I managed to get the cage down and get him inside.”
The rescue was hailed by witnesses, with crowds below applauding as the worker was brought to safety. Edwards, however, downplayed his actions, stating, “I don’t want to blow it up too much, I’m not that sort of person.”
The fire, which broke out in the Station Hill development site, is believed to have caused significant concern as over 50 firefighters attended the scene. The blaze was extinguished, and two men were taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation, though their injuries were not severe.
Christopher Hutton from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service explained that the building, still under construction, was tackled by fire crews using breathing apparatus and hoses. Fortunately, all other individuals on-site were accounted for.
A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service confirmed that both rescued workers were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for further assessment.
The incident occurred at the £750 million Station Hill development, which aims to transform the area near Reading station into a commercial and residential hub.
