A small child has been rescued from a car just moments before a multiple vehicle collision in Co Antrim.
The crash happened on the A6 Moneynick bypass near Toome after several vehicles lost control due to black ice on the road.
Northern Ireland AA patrol member Paddy Healy came across the collision earlier this week while heading to a routine job.
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Without a thought for his own safety, Paddy protected the scene with his AA van and got the drivers and passengers up the grass bank, just seconds before a further car lost control and crashed where the drivers had been standing.
As the chaos ensued, Paddy continued to manage the scene by keeping people safe while awaiting the arrival of the police. When the police arrived, they also lost control and struck the recovery truck attending the crash.
Paddy’s final act of bravery was to free a child from a stricken car and safely up the bank seconds before that car was struck from behind.
He only left the scene once the road was closed, preventing any further crashes and continued helping AA members until the end of his shift later that evening.
Edmund King, AA president has hailed the action as ‘extraordinary’. He said: “AA patrols are renowned for going the extra mile to help our members, but Paddy’s heroic actions during this incident were quite extraordinary.
“Not only did he free a small child from a vehicle, moments before it was struck, but he used his experience and AA training to stay calm, manage the scene and get the drivers involved to a safe location.
“Patrols like Paddy make the AA what it is, and to say that we’re extremely proud of him, would be an understatement. Well done, Paddy.”
In total seven vehicles, two police cars, and a recovery truck were damaged.
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