NOT all heroes wear capes.
In fact, this on-duty hero wore a black woolen jersey with Engen garage branding on one end of the shoulder and a name tag on the other end.
The brave and selfless Engen Garage petrol attendant, Abdullah James (36) from Alexandra was caught in action saving passengers from a burning taxi.
The incident happened last week Monday, 27 March at the petrol station in Bramley, Joburg.
The CCTV footage of a minibus taxi parked at the petrol station suddenly being engulfed in flames went viral on social media nearly a week after the incident happened.
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In the first few minutes of the video, the driver can be seen closing his door and preparing to take off as he had been assisted by another petrol attendant.
Out of nowhere a fire began to ignite underneath the minibus, while the passengers and the driver were inside.
In the video, cars at the station could be seen reversing from the scene, while the petrol attendant who was helping the taxi driver fled in the opposite direction.
As the video continued the fire could be seen spreading rapidly.
Attempting to open the passenger door to free those trapped inside the fiery taxi, Abdullah struggled.
While the taxi was engulfed by flames, the petrol attendant proceeded to the back where he could be seen pulling a woman out of the windows while others jumped out.
At the same time he tried to slide open the minibus door to allow for the rest of the passengers inside the taxi to escape.
In the last few minutes of the video, Abdullah along with two of his colleagues could be seen trying to extinguish the fire.
Having worked at the station for almost 11 years, Abdullah said it was the first time experiencing such a horrific incident.
But when confronted with a dire situation, his first instinct was to offer help instead of run.
Abdullah said:
He said he was able to act after he heard one of the cashiers inside the garage screaming "help, the taxi is burning".
According to Abdullah, there were no fatalities but the two passengers seated in front of the taxi sustained minor injuries when they escaped through the window.
He said most of the passengers in the taxi were older people and there were no minors.
While it was unclear what could have caused the fire, Abdullah said the taxi on its own was not in good shape.
Although Abdullah's bravery was commendable, he said it was the training that he got from the station on how to use a fire extinguisher that gave him the confidence to offer help when needed.
Looking back at now, he said he felt good knowing that he was able to help people on that day.
