Definition of "startled"

The burnt and bleeding man staggered to his feet, dazed and unbelieving, and asked the startled townspeople who came running whether his fireman and guard were safe. He was kept away from the smouldering crater where his engine had been, and taken to hospital.

2022 January 12, Benedict le Vay, “The heroes of Soham...”, in RAIL, number 948, page 43