A garda has been hailed a hero after he saved the lives of a couple and their baby who were trapped in their crashed car.
Garda Declan Fawl, of Newmarket-on-Fergus station in Co Clare, was the first respondent to a single-vehicle crash happened at Ballycar on the R470 Newmarket-on-Fergus to Sixmilebridge road, at around 2pm yesterday.
He then quickly jumped into action and pulled the young family from the car before the rest of the vehicle caught fire.
The family’s car rolled into a field and caught fire. Photo: Press 22He took the young family to a safe area away from the scene as flames began to appear from the engine.
All three occupants of the car were assessed by ambulance paramedics, but were found to be unhurt and not in need of hospital treatment.
A Garda spokesman said: "Gardaí were alerted to a single-vehicle road traffic collision at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus, and the local patrol car responded immediately.
"Garda Declan Fawl discovered the car on its roof, with smoke coming from the engine.
"A man, woman and young baby were still inside.
"He helped all three from the car through a rear door shortly before the car went on fire.
"Fortunately, all three escaped injury."
"We commend Garda Fawl for his bravery and quick actions, and we are thankful that no one was injured," the spokesman added.
