A fearless hero has been commended after running inside a burning building to save families from a blaze that tragically claimed a mum's life.
Bradley Wilson broke through security doors at Tollgate Court in Burton and helped evacuate 10 residents after noticing smoke pouring from the flats on April 6.
Brave Bradley, who graciously declined to speak to Stoke-on-Trent Live, raced upstairs as the inferno raged to save those trapped in the building, who were aged from their 20s to 60s.
One resident Penny Kelsey, believed to be in her 40s, could not be rescued and sadly died in the fire.
Chris Hall, 50, of Newstead, spoke of Bradley's heroism following the blaze.
He said: “That guy is a hero, and that’s no exaggeration. He was driving past the premises, saw what was happening, turned round and broke down a door, the main door that got him in there, and then went about his business raising awareness of everybody.
“There was no smoke alarms going off in properties. He risked his own life, he didn’t have to. So many other people had gone past. He was kicking in doors, knocking on doors, doing everything he needed to do to make sure people got out of there.
“Some of the residents helped him once they became aware. He even tried to go into the flat that was on fire, that’s just second to none.
“He was so humble, as if he’d done nothing. I really hope that he’s acknowledged for what he’s done. It just proves not all heroes wear capes. He went out of his way and he was only a young lad himself."
An evacuation point had been set up at the nearby Gables pub. Chris added: “I was speaking to him afterwards, I was helping at the pub where people were being evacuated.
“People have actually said they’ve got him to thank for their life. To change all your plan in a split second not even consider your own risk, he wouldn’t have known what he was walking into.
“Young people get so much slating nowadays about not being respectful and things like that. It just shows we can’t tar everybody with the same brush.
“The Gables is only across the road and the staff stepped up and provided free food and drink for all the residents while they were basically homeless. I think that shows they’re very community spirited.
“The council has rehoused people temporarily, them flats were privately owned they weren’t really duty-bound to do that."
Evacuated residents have not yet been told when they can return to Tollgate Court which has suffered significant smoke damage.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find the fire at a low-rise flat in Tollgate Court with fire colleagues working to safely evacuate residents.
“Sadly, nothing could be done to save one woman inside the property, and she was confirmed deceased at the scene.
"Crews assessed several patients who had been evacuated from the building, and they were all discharged at the scene.”
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Police were called by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at 11.19am to Tollgate Court on Trentham Road. Officers attended, along with the ambulance service.
"Sadly, a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead by paramedics a short time later. Her next of kin has been informed. Formal identification will take place in due course."
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