Award for motorway crash rescue

An off-duty firefighter who rescued a family of six after a motorway crash is to receive a bravery award.

Shaun Burgess, who works at Thorne Fire Station, South Yorkshire saved the life of a 10-year-old boy who almost drowned near the M180 in North Lincolnshire.

He was alerted to the accident when he spotted two children standing in the motorway covered in blood. Two adults were also seriously injured.

The 41-year-old is being awarded the Chief Fire Officer's Commendation.

If I hadn't arrived the boy wouldn't be here now Shaun Burgess, firefighter

The accident happened on 24 October as the fireman was on his way home from a colleague's retirement party.

The family's Ford Galaxy had plunged down a ditch. The boy was flung out of the front window and into the ditch, his 60-year-old grandmother had serious leg injuries, and his father was suffering breathing problems.

The other passengers a 10-year-old girl, nine-year-old girl and man, 24, escaped with minor injuries.

Mr Burgess, who had been a firefighter for 19 years, said: "I had to act fast, the boy was in a water filled ditch and could have drowned, so I pulled him out and turned my attention to the rest of the family."

"While I am very proud to receive this award, the best achievement is knowing the whole family are alive and well after the awful ordeal.

"If I hadn't arrived the boy wouldn't be here now."

The youngster was in intensive care for months and came out of hospital two weeks ago, ready to attend the award ceremony.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the commendation award is usually given out to firefighters who display "outstanding acts of bravery or perform life saving rescues."