A brave grandfather from Texas, USA, is being hailed as a hero after he ran back into a raging fireball to save his home and his young grandchildren who were standing just feet away. Carl Motley sustained severe burns in a terrifying explosion in Bells, Texas, when an old barrel he was cutting with a plasma torch suddenly ignited.
The blast sent flames tearing through the sky, leaving Motley with burns across 30% of his body. However, instead of fleeing, security camera footage shows him sprinting straight back into the flames. Still on fire, he fought to stop the blaze from spreading towards his family, including his two grandchildren and their dog.
Quick-Thinking Hero
His sister, Carin Curry, said his quick thinking prevented the fire from taking hold, sparing the house and ensuring the children were saved. She told KXII: “He kind of likes to call himself like a Superman. He’s always willing to help everyone, so he did kind of react like a Superman that day and just take care of it the best that he could.”
The security camera footage of the dramatic moment shows Motley already burning as he charged back towards the flames, vanishing from sight for a moment before returning with a fire extinguisher in hand. Carin said he had already extinguished the blaze by the time they were able to call 911. She added: “I’m just so thankful that he’s still with us. Always value and love your loved ones because you just really never know what could happen.”
Recovery and Support
Motley remains in hospital, recovering after the first of what is expected to be a series of skin graft procedures, according to KXII. Curry said her brother’s split-second bravery protected both the family home and his grandchildren, who were close to the blast. She said: “He wasn’t thinking about himself—he just wanted to know the family, the children and his grandkids were safe.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Motley’s recovery and medical costs. His daughter, Carly Motley, wrote on the fundraising page: “This has been a frightening and overwhelming experience for our family, and we are doing everything we can to support my dad’s road to recovery. As well as the repairs to our home.” At the time of writing, the fundraiser is 53% complete, with $3,410 raised towards a $6,500 target (approximately £2,690 of £5,120).
