A crane operator from Egham who was hailed as a hero after rescuing a man from a burning tower block at a construction site in Reading has died at the age of 67.
Glen Edwards was operating a crane at the Station Hill development in Reading, Berkshire, in November 2023 when a large fire broke out in a high‑rise building under construction. Footage from the scene showed him lowering a personnel cage from his crane to a trapped construction worker on the roof as flames and thick smoke billowed around them. The man climbed into the cage and was winched to safety, as onlookers applauded.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and colleagues praised Mr Edwards for his quick thinking and skill under extreme pressure. At the time, he described the rescue as a “very close call” amid challenging conditions.
In the years following the incident, Mr Edwards was diagnosed with terminal spine cancer. A local charity, Bucket List Wishes, helped him and his family to fulfil personal wishes as his health declined.
The charity said it was “utterly heartbroken” to share the news of his death, describing him as a “very special man” and a “local hero”. It extended condolences to his family and said Mr Edwards would “always hold a special place in our hearts”.
His courageous actions during the Station Hill fire have left a lasting impression on the local community and emergency services, marking him out as a figure of bravery and selflessness.
