Baby saved from burning house

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32430, 17 October 1970, Page 2

Baby saved from burning house

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 16. A former member of the Beachlands, Auckland, Volunteer Fire Brigade, 19-year-old Alan Simcox, last night found his fire-fighting training invaluable when he helped rescue a seven-month-old baby from a burning house in Moera, Lower Hutt.

Associated with Mr Simcox in the rescue of the baby, Andrew Mannel, was 14-year-old Rex Hall. In the house at the time of the outbreak was Mrs A Platt, the grandmother of the child, and 7-year-old Geoffrey Mannel. They both escaped from the house.

The rear of the house was gutted. “We were working on the engine of my car and from our position two houses away we could see the house was on fire,” said Hall. "Alan dashed inside and telephoned 111 to give the alarm, while I went to investigate. “I found Mrs Platt in the street. She was very excited, but I managed to learn that there was a baby still in the house. “We kicked in the front door ,of the house, but the smoke was too thick, so we dashed around to the eastern side of the house and kicked in the window. “I lifted Alan up and he climbed into the room.” The Lower Hutt Fire Brigade was called and fire officers praised the work of both men. Last night Mrs Platt and the two children were taken to the Hutt Hospital, where Mrs Platt is believed to have received treatment for an injured leg. Later in the evening they were transferred to the Salvation Army emergency lodge in Wellington. The Lower Hutt City Council is trying to secure temporary accommodation for Mrs Platt and the children. The police are anxious to trace the mother of the children. She is believed to be holidaying in the Nelson district.