Not a day goes by where Samson Aruwa doesn't think about the night he desperately pulled trapped partygoers from a fatal pile-up at a Dunedin student flat. Mr Aruwa carried Ms Crestani from the pile and his actions that night likely saved many others from the same fate, a ceremony recognising his bravery heard today. On the night of the party Mr Aruwa, a student at the time managed to free himself, and then took charge leading the effort of pulling trapped partygoers free. Mr Aruwa, who was wearing a moon-boot at the time, repeatedly returned to assist others who were stuck and unable to escape, Comm Chambers said. Photo: SuppliedComm Chambers said had it not been for Mr Aruwa, the tragedy would have been ‘‘so much worse’’.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 26, 2026 02:25 UTC