Man pulled from inferno tries to steal rescuer's car

A Corrections officer has been hailed after rescuing a man from a burning wreck - then restraining him as he tried to steal a car to get away.

Dean Clothier was on his way to work at Rolleston Prison on Sunday morning when he saw a car had crashed through a fence, flipped, and caught fire near Christchurch Airport on Memorial Ave.

He and another passer-by dragged the driver from the burning vehicle to safety.

As they were going back to double check for more passengers, Mr Clothier turned and saw the man trying to steal his car.

"We approached him, and he assaulted the other guy who had been helping and then tried to run away. I managed to get a hold of him and restrain him while we waited on police to get there," he said.

Rolleston Prison manager Mike Howson said he was proud of Mr Clothier's actions.

His training at dealing with hostile prisoners helped him respond to the situation, Mr Howson said.

"He's saved a man who otherwise may have died if he had remained trapped in the vehicle and it exploded."

"If the guy had got away he may have hurt others - Mr Clothier's intervention prevented that from happening."

Police inspector Dave Lawry commended Mr Clothier on his quick and level headed response.

"It's not every day you try to help someone who then tries to steal your car. Clearly the Corrections officer was one step ahead and took control of things quickly and effectively."