A Gisborne construction worker is being praised as a hero after saving an elderly man from his burning house.
Tim Morris, 37, pulled the 89-year-old man through a broken window to safety as smoke filled the Aberdeen Rd home on Saturday about 1am.
Morris was driving past the property with a friend when they spotted the fire and pulled over.
While battling against smoke, Morris and his friend managed to rescue the resident, check the house for anyone else inside, and raise the alarm with neighbours.
Once emergency services arrived at the scene, the pair slipped quietly away into the night.
Stuff
Senior station officer Tim Lister told the Gisborne Herald the interior of the house was “significantly damaged”.
“The elderly man who lived there was taken to hospital by ambulance, suffering from moderate smoke inhalation,” he said. [...]
“He probably saved his life.”
Police issued a public appeal yesterday in the hope of tracking down the mystery rescuer.
Morris’ friend showed him the appeal, and this morning, much to the delight of officers, he walked into the police station.
“I just wanted to get him out,” Morris said.
“It’s been a bit emotional. At the end of the day, helping people makes me feel good.”
NZ Herald
