Three security guards saved two workers in Dubai after they were found in a semi-conscious state in an industrial water tank.
The quick thinking of Muhammed Zubair and Muhammad Iftikhar from Pakistan, and Richard Estebat from the Philippines, meant they were able to free the men from the tank in time for them to receive urgent medical treatment.
The incident happened at a tourist attraction in Dubai. The company would not state which.
The workers were investigating the source of a strange smell coming from the empty tank.
security guard
Realising that the pair had got into difficulties, the trio called for medical assistance before Mr Iftikhar and Mr Estebat entered the large water tank, wearing masks, to rescue them.
“Because there [were] human beings in the tank, I felt that if I didn’t go inside they could die within minutes,” said Mr Iftikhar.
“I wore two masks and went in the tank and with Richard’s help I got them out.”
An investigation by local authorities revealed the tank contained toxic gas. Immediate treatment by paramedics was provided to the contractors as well as the security guards, both on-site and later at a medical facility.
The three men, who work for Transguard, were later honoured by their company and each received a cash reward and certificate of appreciation in recognition of their heroic efforts.
“We are extremely proud of these three men for their timely display of courage in an extraordinary situation,” said Greg Ward, managing director at Transguard Group.
Speaking after the incident, the men said it was an automatic reaction to help the men in need, as it was their duty as security guards.
“We helped the two people there because as a security [guard] we need to secure the lives of people, so we just did our best,” said Mr Estebat.
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The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
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Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
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2012 Amour, Michael Haneke
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Saturday, November 3
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
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