Perth father rescues woman from fiery car explosion

Father of two, Mesut Polat was stopped at a train crossing in Carlise while driving home one night in February when he witnessed a terrifying emergency unfold, forcing him to take action.

“I just saw in the rear-view mirror, a fire had broken out in the car behind me, and the woman driver was trying to put it out but it was getting bigger,” he said.

Mesut jumped out of his own car and ran towards the woman, but as he approached the car exploded before his eyes. 

“I yelled at her to unlock her door, but she couldn’t respond, she was in shock,” Mesut said.

Mesut tried to reach the lock through the car window but burnt his hand in his initial attempt.  

“I just thought this is a desperate situation, I had to help her. It was midnight and there was no-one else around. So I reached inside the car again and unlocked the door, undid her seatbelt and pulled her out of the car.”

Just 10 seconds after pulling the woman to safety, the car exploded again – and was completely engulfed in flames.

For his brave actions that night, the Mount Pleasant father has been awarded a Gold Medallion at the recent 2022 Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards.

WA Police nominated Mesut, saying despite the risk to his own personal safety, he continued to help the victim as others stayed back and watched. After being put in an induced coma, the victim, who’s in her thirties, has had multiple surgeries for her burns and is now on the road to recovery.

When asked how he felt about receiving the award, Mesut said he’s just happy the driver is alive today. 

“Of course I would do it again. I cannot turn away from a situation like that, I always try to help people,” he said.

“Learn first aid, volunteer to help if you see someone in trouble, we are a community and we need to help one another.”

If you know someone who has bravely stepped in to help save, or attempt to save, another person’s life you can nominate them for a Bravery Award here. To learn vital first aid skills, you can find a course near you at the link below.