Unexpected Heroism in Kirkstall
Two men from Bradford, Mohsin Qayyum, 22, and Mohammed Yusuf Iqbal, 20, have expressed surprise at the widespread attention they received after assisting an elderly couple and their grandson during a house fire in Kirkstall, Leeds. The incident occurred as they were driving past the residence and noticed a fire, with a man attempting to extinguish it using a hose.
Social Media Recognition and Humility
Their actions came to light when Kayla Robinson, a family member of those rescued, publicly thanked them on social media. Commenters quickly lauded their efforts. Iqbal described the attention as "a bit weird," emphasizing that their motivation was simply to help those in need, not to gain recognition.
"It was a bit weird at first because we never really thought it would get this much attention and we didn't really do it for attention - we just did it because like people needed our help," said Iqbal.
Qayyum echoed this sentiment, finding it "a really weird feeling" how quickly the story spread, with messages coming from family and friends across England. He noted the unusual experience of being recognized for a positive news story.
The Incident and Aftermath
During the rescue, Iqbal notably jumped over a fence to reach the family. His primary concern afterward was the damage he might have caused to their garden. The family, however, assured him not to worry, expressing immense gratitude.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that two crews responded to the fire on Lea Farm Road on June 19. The fire, which spread from a fence to the garage, was attributed to a "combustible article" being too close to a controlled fire.
Parental Pride and Broader Impact
Qayyum, a student, stated he was "overwhelmed" by the positive response and proud to make his mother and family proud, especially given his mother's role as a single parent. His mother, Tayba Tabeezi Azim, humorously remarked on his domestic habits versus his heroic actions:
"He could not wash the dishes, but he went and rescued a couple of people from the fire. I just can't emphasise enough how incredibly proud I am of them."
She also expressed satisfaction with the positive social media reaction, highlighting that while parents lay foundations, children ultimately choose their paths. Iqbal's mother, Saima Rafique, shared similar sentiments of being "totally overwhelmed." She emphasized the positive representation their actions provided, particularly for young Asian Muslim men, contrasting it with often negative portrayals.
Source: BBC News
