Off-duty Devon and Cornwall firefighters praised for rescuing family from burning vehicle
Ed Durante has been hailed a "hero", while he praised the work of another from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
Off-duty firefighters are being praised for rescuing a family of five from a serious crash in Devon.
Ed Durante - and another from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service - came together to save them from the burning vehicle.
The incident happened on the A38 near Chudleigh yesterday afternoon (27 June), with all casualties being taken to hospital.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service tweeted to praise Ed at the time - who is a Watch Manager, as well as a paramedic with South Western Ambulance Service.
"I'm sure more information will come out, but this afternoon our very own @CM_ParaEDurante came across a serious RTC Road Traffic Collision whilst off duty.
"He has single-handedly rescued a family of five from a burning vehicle!
"A true #Hero and #Legend. Fire control salutes you Ed."
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Ed - who is based in Ivybridge - praised the work of another firefighter from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, who was also off-duty at the time.
"Thank you @DSFireUpdates. Important to mention another off-duty firefighter from @CornwallFRS who also rescued casualties.
"So lucky to have a large array of off-duty medical clinicians and a police officers stop to assist with the treatment and triage of casualty's also."
Ed Durant - Firefighter and Paramedic
Police are now appealing for witnesses following the collision near Chudleigh.
A spokesperson from Devon and Cornwall Police said:
"Police were called to reports of a serious single-vehicle road traffic collision on the A38 near Chudleigh just after 4pm on 27 June.
"The vehicle was reported to be on fire at the scene.
"The collision was also attended by the fire service and ambulance crews.
"The A38 was closed in both directions for a time to allow emergency services to manage the scene but the northbound carriageway was reopened at around 6.15pm.
"Five casualties have been taken to hospital, two with serious injuries and three with less serious injuries."
If you witnessed the collision, have any information or dashcam footage that could help officers with the investigation, please email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 646 of Sunday 27 June.