A police officer has been commended for his heroic actions after saving a man from a blazing car, only seconds before it exploded in a dramatic incident near Carmarthen. The life-or-death rescue unfolded on a remote single-track road on 3 August 2024, following a serious collision involving two vehicles and a tractor.
PC Jonathan Tatam, an officer with Dyfed-Powys Police, was the first respondent at the harrowing scene. When he arrived, one car in the centre of the crash had already caught fire, and its driver was trapped inside. Panicked cries for help had already been relayed through the emergency call, underlining the urgency of the situation.
Immediately, PC Tatam assessed the dangerous scenario. Noting the fire quickly spreading towards nearby vegetation, he urgently retrieved a fire extinguisher from his patrol car, hoping to at least slow the advance of the flames. His primary concern, however, remained the person trapped within the burning vehicle.
Despite the man’s desperate attempts to free himself, it appeared that his foot was wedged within the wreckage. PC Tatam did everything in his power, searching for tools and attempting to douse the flames, all the while risking his own safety to buy crucial seconds. The rapid escalation of the fire left no room for error, as every moment brought the risk of catastrophic explosion closer.
Fortune favoured the brave as the driver eventually managed to free his trapped foot. Without hesitation, PC Tatam returned to the car and, with the assistance of a colleague and a passer-by, pulled the man out of the vehicle. The group then dragged him well away from the mounting inferno. Remarkably, it was only moments after the rescue that the entirely engulfed vehicle exploded, even before the arrival of the fire services.
The rescued driver sustained life-threatening injuries in the ordeal, including severe burns to his legs and lower body, as well as fractures to his femur and face. He had to be airlifted to a Cardiff hospital, where he underwent emergency treatment, including skin grafts.
In recognition of his extraordinary courage and split-second decision-making, PC Tatam has been nominated for the prestigious National Police Bravery Awards 2025. Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Richard Lewis expressed immense pride in PC Tatam’s actions and highlighted the considerable personal risk he undertook to save another’s life.
Chief Constable Lewis commented: “There was a considerable threat to his own safety, however he put himself at risk to ensure the safety of others. It is important that his swift actions, which made a difference between life and death, are properly commended. PC Tatam should feel immensely proud for being nominated for this year’s Police Bravery Awards.”
Further tribute was paid by Dyfed-Powys Police Federation Chair Delme Rees, who praised PC Tatam’s bright thinking and composure under immense pressure. “We couldn’t be any prouder of Jonathan for the exceptional courage and quick thinking he displayed in this rapidly deteriorating situation. With the fire spreading and the person inside the car becoming more desperate all the time, it would’ve been easy for Jonathan to let panic set in himself, but he kept a cool head and remained focused on the job at hand – which is excellent policing,” said Mr Rees.
“In situations like this, every second counts and there’s no doubt his swift actions saved a life – and likely prevented even worse injuries,” he added.
The remarkable efforts of PC Tatam serve as a reminder of the dangers emergency service workers routinely face. His nomination for a national bravery award highlights not only his own commitment to public service, but also the courage and professionalism shown by police officers throughout the country.