Bomba honours heroic duo for rescuing motorists after car plunges into ditch

SERI ISKANDAR: “When I heard the baby crying, I dived straight into the ditch with only one thought in mind, to rescue the baby and the other victims,” said Mohd Azwan Basirun, 38, the heroic figure who helped save those involved in a car accident in Bagan Serai on Aug 24.

In the incident at KM15 Jalan Selama-Bagan Serai, Mohd Azwan and his friend Qairulizwan Zulkefly Amin, 31, bravely saved a baby and five family members after the car they were travelling in skidded and plunged into a ditch.

The incident occurred at 3.45pm when a woman driving a car lost control while trying to avoid a group of monkeys, causing the vehicle to crash into the ditch.

According to Mohd Azwan, he and his friend jumped into the ditch to protect the baby from drowning after hearing the cries of children and babies.

“The water level was quite deep, and the car was almost submerged. Even though they managed to get out of the car, my only thought was to save the baby first,” he said when met by Bernama on Tuesday (Sept 10).

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Earlier, Mohd Azwan and Qairulizwan were honoured with certificates of appreciation from the Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) for their bravery in the early rescue efforts of the incident.

The certificates of appreciation were presented by Perak JBPM Director Sayani Saidon during the State JBPM Monthly Assembly held at the Seri Iskandar Fire and Rescue Station here.

Mohd Azwan shared that he and his friend were on their way to Penang at the time of the incident.

“I was initially puzzled by the fallen pole and didn’t spot the car in the ditch. But as soon as I heard the cries of children and babies, I immediately stopped the motorcycle

“My friend and I immediately jumped into the ditch. We didn’t think about any risks; our only concern was to rescue them,” he added.

A video of their heroic rescue has recently gone viral on social media. – Bernama