Hero kept head at scene of accident

Dylan Pay (right) and Dennis Paxie (left). Photo / Duncan Brown

The heroics of 20-year-old Dylan Pay have been recognised by his workplace after he risked his own safety to save lives during a four car pile-up on the Hawke's Bay Expressway last month.

Mr Pay is a contractor to Fastway Couriers with a run that includes the Omahu Rd area in Hastings.

Dennis Paxie, Fastway Couriers Napier regional franchisee, said he realised Mr Pay had been involved in an accident when he saw his picture on the front page of Hawke's Bay Today.

"When I drew him to one side and he told me the whole story it was quite amazing," he said.

"Dylan was heading home from training as a volunteer fire-fighter at around 9.30pm when he saw an elderly lady and her passenger broken down in a dangerous spot on the Ngaruroro River Bridge.

"Dylan stopped his car to provide assistance and jump-started her car with the help of another concerned motorist, David Palfreyman."

Mr Pay was helping the woman into her car when he spotted a four-wheel-drive vehicle approaching at speed.

"Dylan pulled the woman to safety and yelled for David to get out of the way just seconds before the four-wheel-drive hit the rear of the car, slamming the first car forward into the other two cars," Mr Paxie said.

Mr Pay was trying to free the elderly woman's now-injured passenger from the wreckage when he noticed Mr Palfreyman slumped on the other side of the safety barrier close to a 25m drop.

Mr Pay said Mr Palfreyman likely collided with the railing when he jumped out of the way.

"He was dazed and concussed and looked like he was going to stumble and fall off the bridge. I ran over and pulled him back over the railing. I don't think he has any memory of what happened but he is very lucky. We are all lucky," Mr Pay said.

The 81-year-old passenger was cut free by the Fire Service and taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Mr Pay said he was glad he had stopped and that being a volunteer fireman helped him keep a cool head.

Mr Paxie said the fact that he had stopped to help was worth mentioning alone.

"To then go above and beyond that and put your own life at risk to ensure the safety of others is, in my opinion, a heroic act."

"The way that Dylan carried himself throughout the entire ordeal absolutely deserves recognition.

"We are delighted to award Dylan with a Fastway Community Service Award and extend our congratulations to him on his act of bravery."