A mother who escaped unhurt from a car which caught fire on Tuesday afternoon took to Facebook to describe the ordeal she went through together with her father and 10-month-old baby.

This is what Nancy May Gerry wrote:

“Following yesterday’s car fire at Sliema were my dad, myself and my 10 month baby were in the car, I am writing here to express my feelings. 

First and foremost I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart The Convenience shop at Triq Patri Marjanu Vella Sliema.

The family in this shop gave us shelter from the smoke and fumes the fire was emitting. They helped me with my baby, called the ambulance, stayed around us to calm and support, offered us drinks. You meant so much for us. I don’t know your names but I managed to spot the name of the shop. 

I also wish to thank the staff of the ambulance. Thank you for entertaining my baby to keep him calm. A special thanks to one of the drivers who created a toy out of a glove https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v5/f4c/1/16/1f642.png:-) Thank you to the nurses especially to the male nurse who was so kind and also out of breath to carry my baby in the car seat all the way to the pediatrics emergency. You went beyond your duty. Again, I don’t know your name but thank you so much.

Thank you also to the Pediatrics Emergency staff, all of them but especially to nursing officer Mary Anne Aquilina ( I managed to have a quick look at your tag ). I could see tears in your eyes dear Ms Aquilina when you was consoling my dad. Those tears gave a warmth in my heart because we are foreigners for you but you still felt for us. You went beyond your duty too. You were running around everywhere to help us in our needs. Thank you from the deepest of my heart.

A big thank you to the police officers on duty at the emergency yesterday afternoon. You were both understanding and helpful. 

Thank you to the doctor from Kenya who visited my dad and myself. You were truly kind and patient and very precise in your job. I wish all the doctors were like you 

Thank you also to the ENT Pediatric who visited my baby to make sure everything was fine with him.

Thank you the Fire men for your immediate work to tame the fire.

Thank you as well to the couple of ladies who whilst in the traffic jam offered us help. Of all the traffic, you were the only two cars who offered your help so thank you again.

I hope I haven’t forgotten someone and apologies for not knowing your names but you are all in my thoughts and I will never forget your face xx

Secondly I wish to express some disappointments. 

When the car was smoking, my dad, myself and the baby got out of the car in a flash for safety. The car had stopped at Telghet il-Kullegg l-antik ( it-tela’ tal-kirxa who know it this way ) so a traffic jam has generated. The smoke could be seen from far far away but still cars were breaking glasses with their horns.

Thank God we didn’t listen to the guy behind us. A middle aged expert driving a van was shouting at my dad to go again in the car and drive it aside because he wanted to pass. We told him it was risky and dangerous but he insisted that it was nothing but the radiator. Well dear expert, good job we didn’t follow your selfish suggestion because I would have ended up losing my dad just for you to be able to carry on your driving. 

During the fire, several people were only interested to take a video with their mobiles. The only thing they needed to complete the scene was a bag of popcorn. Well dear people, that was not a movie, you could have at least offered us help instead of staying there enjoying the accident!

The biggest disgrace of the day was allowing people around the fire. Whilst the fire engines were trying to put out the bonfire, on the video you could see school children bouncing around as if it was a bbq. Where was health and safety at the time? Can you imagine how much carbon monoxide have those children inhaled? What if the car exploded instead of just catching fire? The blast would have had a big impact to the people around.

Well to close on a positive note, my dad, my little baby ( who behaved incredible considering the situation ) and myself are all at home safe and sound.”