STANLEY – A harrowing incident unfolded in Stanley as a vigilant mother’s timely action saved her family from a potentially catastrophic car fire. In the early hours of the morning, Kim Edwards, 37, was abruptly awakened by a scene of utter chaos outside her residence.
At precisely 2 a.m., Kim, who had just succeeded in lulling her five-month-old baby to sleep, was roused from her slumber by the sight of an abandoned car parked directly in front of her home, engulfed in flames. Quick-thinking and resourceful, she promptly dialed emergency services, summoning the fire brigade to the scene.
Had it not been for Kim’s alertness and immediate response, the repercussions of this menacing car fire might have been devastating. Photographs capturing the aftermath of the incident on Parmeter Street, Stanley, underscore the sheer scale of the inferno and its alarmingly close proximity to the family’s residence.
Kim Edwards, reflecting on the distressing ordeal, expressed her deep concern about the potentially catastrophic consequences had she not awakened in time to sound the alarm. She revealed, “The car in question had been reported to the council on August 8 and had already fallen victim to a break-in, leaving shattered glass strewn across its interior.”
Describing the council’s response, Kim recounted, “A council representative informed us that, despite the vehicle’s dire state, it was still considered roadworthy as it was taxed, rendering it immovable at that time. Nevertheless, he did leave a note indicating their intention to dispatch street cleaners to address the glass debris issue.”
Kim Edwards went on to voice her disbelief at the recklessness of those responsible for parking the car so perilously close to her family’s home. She said, “I had just managed to doze off after settling my five-month-old baby when an enormous bang disrupted the tranquility of the night.”
“At first, I thought I heard distant firework crackles,” she added, “but then, there was a significantly louder pop, culminating in a deafening explosion. It’s nothing short of a miracle that no lives were lost.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prompt and vigilant action in the face of potentially life-threatening situations, highlighting the critical role community members play in ensuring the safety and well-being of their neighbors.
