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# Bravery awards for men who saved people from burning vehicle in Lichfield
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/bravery-awards-for-men-who-saved-people-from-burning-vehicle-in-lichfield/
- Published: 2021-11-18T17:02:42.000Z
- Updated: 2021-11-19T15:13:50.000Z
- Description: Two men have received an award for bravery after helping to save people trapped in a burning vehicle in Lichfield.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:15, News

Two men have received an award for bravery after helping to save people trapped in a burning vehicle in Lichfield.

![Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber presenting Simon Motzkeit with his award](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/fire.jpg)

Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber presenting Simon Motzkeit with his award

In July 2019, a camper van crashed into a streetlight and overturned on the northbound A38.

The vehicle contained gas cylinders which ignited and left the driver, his wife and two friends trapped.

Akam Ali was at a petrol station on the opposite side of the carriageway and raced across the carriageways in order to help.

Off-duty firefighter Simon Motzkeit also stopped after witnessing the crash, with the duo braving extreme temperatures and a lack of equipment to free all four people.

Bryan Brindley, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

> “From my observation of the fire and the positioning of the vehicle following the collision, I believe both men demonstrated a great level of bravery and put themselves in a position of risk in order to save the lives of those involved.  
>  
> “I also believe that if not for their actions, the four occupants may not have been able to escape by themselves and may have lost their lives in such a tragic way.”  
>  
> Bryan Brindley, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

The pair have received the Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation Award from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.