Cocoyea fire victim thanks rescuers

COCOYEA fire victim Evan Williams, 85, managed a smile when he saw his rescuer, councillor for Cocoyea/Tarouba, Teresa Lynch, at San Fernando General Hospital today.

Lynch accompanied the MP for San Fernando East Randall Mitchell went to check on Williams.

“He was happy that we were close enough to rescue him from the fire,” Lynch said.

Williams thanked Lynch for her swiftness in getting him out of his burning house at St Andrew Street at about 2 pm the previous day.

“He admitted that he had fallen asleep and was unaware that his house was on fire. He was struggling to move about, as he was unable to see through the smoke,” Lynch said.

The councillor and other villagers found Williams on a couch in his house.

“We had to lift him up bodily and move him out with speed,” Lynch said.

Williams, who suffered burns to his left leg, is now recovering from the fire.

Lynch was in her office two buildings away when she heard people screaming. "Fire" and ran out to see Williams’s home in flames.She had to jump over the fence, since the gates were locked, and broke down the doors of Williams’s house to get in.

Lynch sustained burns to her left leg and minor cuts to her right feet while trying save Williams.

Mitchell, in a press release today, said there was much to be proud of in San Fernando.

“An all too familiar situation of an elderly citizen becoming trapped in a burning house could have easily become tragic, but fortunately, through the quick response and remarkable strength and gallantry of or Lynch, residents, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, tragedy had been averted,” he said.

"This heroic and selfless act by the councillor is not uncommon and is a reflection of the compassion and camaraderie of San Fernandians that we know and love."

Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein also commended Lynch for rescuing Williams, saying, “Through this action, you have actively demonstrated what it truly means to be a servant of the people. I want to personally thank you as one of the youngest councillors across our country for displaying such a heroic effort. You are indeed an exemplar to your fellow councillors."

He also sent a message to all local government officials.

“As a councillor and a servant of the people, you are expected to do everything reasonably within your power to assist and do so with dignity and pride. Always remember, in your interaction with the wonderful people of our country, that service to God is service to mankind.”