Couple and baby rescued before car went on fire

A COUPLE and their young baby were rescued from an overturned and smoking car moments before it burst into flames yesterday.

Responding to an alert, Garda Declan Fawl of Newmarket-on-Fergus Station in Co. Clare, arrived at the scene to find a car on its roof with smoke coming from the engine. He jumped into action and pulled the family out before the car caught fire.

The single-vehicle accident happened at around 2pm at Ballycar on the R470 Newmarket-on-Fergus to Sixmilebridge road when the driver apparently lost control, struck the front wall of a house and rolled over into a green area. The driver had attempted to open his door but was unable to do so.

When Garda Fawl arrived he helped the young family escape through a rear door. He took them from the scene as flames appeared from the engine. The family were uninjured.

Two units of Shannon Town fire brigade arrived soon afterwards and quickly extinguished the fire which was confined to the engine.

A Garda spokesman said: ‘We commend Garda Fawl for his bravery and quick actions and we are thankful that no-one was injured.’