Group heroism saves five lives as fire engulfs van for disabled

[kickysnana]

Bystanders used fire extinguishers to smash the windows of a van and rescue five handicapped passengers minutes before the vehicle was engulfed in flames Wednesday in New Brighton.

Eight people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but quick thinking by employees at several businesses may have saved the lives of the people in wheelchairs in the van, authorities said.

Michael Zerka was working at Clocktower Liquors about 2 p.m. when his uncle, Assad Awaijane, saw the van pull up. They both rushed out with fire extinguishers.

"We saw smoke coming out of the hood," Zerka said. "The driver alone was able to get one person out. Everyone else was in a wheelchair."

http://www.startribune.com/local/north/26355104.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

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The smoke blocked out the sun on the opposite side of our building a block away from this. The liquor store opened just last week. If it happened before that there would not have been enough people close enough to get everyone out.

[Bunny]

1. That is great!

:thumbsup: to everyone who helped.

[warrior1]

2. Human beings

are capable of just such great acts of goodness, it's breath taking.

[DarkTirade]

3. All it takes is the willingness to do the right thing when you're there at the right place and time.

In this case, two people willing to risk their own lives against those of others.