THESE harrowing photos show the devastating aftermath of a car fire which prompted a heroic driver to perform a daring one-man rescue of the elderly couple inside.
Nothing remains of the car save for a charred wreck following the sudden and intense fire in Malvern Road in Powick, near Worcester on Thursday morning.
The elderly couple inside the small car were rescued by Clive Jarvis on his day off as a recovery driver after he saw smoke billowing from the car and pulled over, dragging the couple out of the car as the flames rose with moments to spare. His partner yesterday called him a hero.
However, 38-year-old Mr Jarvis said it was 'no biggie' and his partner says he fails to see what all the fuss is about.
The photos tell a different story - such was the intensity of the fire that it not only damaged the car but also appears to have left a dark residue on the ground. Worcestershire County Council say the road is not damaged, however.
Clive Jarvis pulled the elderly couple from their burning vehicle in Malvern Road, Powick, near Worcester moments before the vehicle was consumed by the inferno.
His partner, Shelley Ireson, described him as 'a hero' and said she was 'very proud of him' but modest Mr Jarvis said it was 'no big deal' and his actions were just 'everyday'.
"He always stops to help people. I'm so proud of him to put himself in danger for somebody else. That takes some guts," she said.
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Dramatic photos show flames leaping from the bonnet and thick black smoke billowing out of the bonnet. Mr Jarvis lifted the couple out of the car by their waists and made sure they were at a safe distance before the fire crew arrived.
Mr Jarvis, who works for Elite Recovery in Droitwich, said he was pulling out of Hospital Lane, turning onto Malvern Road when he saw a car 'smoking' near the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant.
"I just dragged them out. I just said 'if I were you I would get out as fast as you can'. I picked them up and took them up the road. It happened so quickly. There were some people at the bus stop watching.
"A paramedic who works in Birmingham also stopped. I don't think the couple knew what was going on. They looked more shocked at what had happened. They were an elderly couple on their way to hospital."
He tried to stop traffic and get other drivers to turn around. "I was just trying to stop people driving past in case it went bang. I was trying to keep everyone at a safe distance. Firefighters turned up really quickly. They did a good job," he said.
A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crew from Worcester Fire Station was called to Malvern Road in Powick at 10.13am.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "A car was well alight and the fire was fought by one firefighter wearing breathing apparatus. Two occupants were checked over and advised to attend A&E.
"The vehicle was checked for hot spots using a thermal imaging camera and highways were informed due to potential damage to the road. The incident was marked as pending closure at 11.35am."
Jon Fraser of Worcestershire County Council Highways said: "The car is currently still in situ, however it is off the carriageway.
"As per our usual practice after events like this, we will inspect for any damage to the public highway once the vehicle has been removed. There is no damage to the carriageway, however."
- If you are the couple rescued in the fire and want to get in touch, please email jc@worcesternews.co.uk or call 01905 742256
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