THE last time they saw them was in the back of an ambulance being rushed to hospital.
But it was smiles all around as firefighters were able to properly meet the Sabanal family two weeks after they were rescued from their home, which was destroyed in a gas explosion.
Crews from Redbridge fire station in Southampton were first on the scene of the incident where they found the home in Howard’s Grove reduced to rubble as a result of the explosion.
Miraculously, Bella, four, and her dad Jay, 36, were pulled unharmed from the ruins of their home by neighbours when their house collapsed as they slept.
The White Watch crew from Redbridge fire station were the first on the scene and wanted to see how well the family was recovering, so invited them to visit the station for a tour and chat, even offering Bella the chance to sit in a fire engine.
The emotional visit saw the family thank the crew in person and pay tribute to all who helped at the scene.
While her husband and daughter were at the centre of the dramatic rescue, 36-year-old Liberty, a nurse, was finishing a night shift at Southampton General Hospital.
She said: “We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”
Jay added: “They saved our lives, they saved our family.”
The family, who moved to Southampton from the Phillipines in 2003, are now looking for a new home and have been overwhelmed by the public response after the incident. The family can also add Blaze Bear, the Firefighters Charity mascot, and children’s books to the collection as the crew donated some toys to Bella.
The youngster also had a memorable visit as, along with sitting in a fire engine she also got the chance to dress up in a firefighter’s uniform.
Watch manager Allister Owen said: “It was fantastic to see Jay, Liberty and Bella doing so well and great to be able to show them around the station and our vehicles.
“When we first arrived at their house in Shirley on the night of the incident, it was a scene of devastation, and to think they escaped from it still seems miraculous.”
An investigation is continuing into what caused the gas explosion.
- How to help
A NUMBER of appeals for support were launched almost immediately after the explosion left the family with only the clothes they were wearing when it happened.
The local community rallied, with various items of furniture, clothes and toys being donated.
Just over £1,000 in cash has also been raised.
An appeal has been led by Woolston business Nappytastic, with staff and volunteers appealing for donations from people across Hampshire and additional help from the Salvation Army and Phillipino community.
Items of clothing, shoes, bedding, kitchen utensils, a bed and a sofa are in storage but Nappytastic has not received any donations for the past week and staff hope to receive more to help the family.
To donate via Nappytastic, call 023 8043 2931/07584 429638 or the Salvation Army on 023 8077 1655.
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