Penguin man, Terry Townsend, recognised after pulling driver from burning wreck

A man from Penguin was part of a group of bystanders who tried to save the life of a driver after they came across the fiery crash aftermath on a highway in NSW. THEIR HEROIC ACTIONS >>

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Penguin’s has won a bravery award for his role in trying to save a driver caught in fiery crash in NSW in 2018.

On April 22, 2018, Mr Townsend was travelling with his uncle when he came across a car on fire on the Riverina Highway in Corowa.

The vehicle had burst into flames after hitting a barrier at high speed and becoming airborne before hitting the road again heavily.

A passenger in the vehicle was killed on impact but the driver was still alive.

“Five members of the public (including Mr Townsend) soon arrived at the scene to render assistance,” the Governor-General’s office said.

“One person immediately ran over to the vehicle and tried to rouse the injured driver before attempting to remove him from the burning vehicle.

“Two other people also tried to remove the driver without success.”

The group were forced back as the flames and heat intensified. But they approached the burning car again.

One person climbed into the vehicle and grabbed hold of the driver and with the help of a second person managed to get him out of the car.

Despite the danger two others then assisted in moving the injured man away from the vehicle which then became fully engulfed in flames.

Sadly the driver did not survive his injuries.