Quick-thinking Belfast man averts blazing truck explosion

A brave door supervisor put a fire out in a burning truck on a busy road in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. He prevented an explosion and saved lives while also averting extensive damage to Ulster University's Belfast campus.

David Thompson is a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed door supervisor and CCTV operator. He is being featured in the SIA's #SIAHeroes campaign. The campaign highlights the efforts security operatives are making to serve their communities across the UK during the COVID-19 crisis. 

At 9.30 am on Wednesday, 26 August 2020, the CCTV operatives in Ulster University's control room called David Thompson on the radio (he was on duty on the campus). The control room told David that a seven-ton refrigerated truck was on fire on the street adjacent to the Belfast campus on York Road. 

David sent a message on the radio to his colleague, porter Matthew Ward, to pick up two fire extinguishers as he could see flames and black smoke billowing out of the back of the truck's cabin. The fire brigade were called but meanwhile David and his colleague, Matthew Ward managed the fire. 

Putting out the fire was particularly dangerous because the vehicle was sitting in traffic. The fire itself was near the fuel tank, and black smoke was also pouring out of the refrigerated unit at the top of the truck. By this time the driver, who was dazed but otherwise uninjured, had got out of the vehicle. David and Matthew applied the extinguishers to the flames and the smoke, but there was a section that was still smouldering. 

When the SIA spoke to David he said:

"I picked up the burning item with my bare hands and threw it on the ground and used the extinguisher to stop the fire. I didn't give it a thought about the risk that I was taking for my life. I knew if the truck had exploded that it could have killed people and shattered the large number of windows which had recently been installed at Ulster University's Belfast campus." 

The fire brigade arrived after David and Matthew had put the fire out. They moved the truck to allow the traffic to move. 

There are over 400,000 licensed security operatives in the UK, and like David, many continue to work as critical workers and keyworkers, guarding hospitals, sheltered accommodation, supporting social distancing in supermarkets, and other essential operations. 

Michelle Russell, the SIA's Acting Chief Executive, said:

"The #SIAHeroes campaign shines a light on their significant individual contributions and how they are making a difference to the communities that they serve. David is a great example of this as everyday security officers save lives, keep people safe and make personal sacrifices for the good of society: thank you. 

As the regulator of the private security industry our role is to encourage best practice and the #SIAHeroes campaign highlights the trust and dependency that the public do and need to have in security officers."  

The SIA is promoting the industry's dedication and commitment through the #SIAHeroes campaign. It is sharing inspiring stories of security operatives who are keeping the public safe and secure at this critical time. 

Read all of our #SIAHeroes stories online here.

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Notes to Editors:

• For an interview with David, please contact the SIA press office: media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk
• The SIA has been running #SIAHeroes for the last year, and during COVID-19 is seeking to raise the profile of the contribution that the front line private security industry are making in response to this crisis.
• Read similar, previous stories online here.
  

Further information:

1. The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA's main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.
2. For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The SIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority), Twitter (@SIAuk) and LinkedIn. 
   

For media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

SIA Press Office

Security Industry Authority

media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk