Car fires are rare, but when they happen swift action is necessary to save the lives of the passengers. A quick-thinking officer and a Good Samaritan saved the life of a teenager in Floyd County after a car fire. 11 Alive reported on the situation.
The crash happened on Highway 53 in Shannon, GA in the northwest corner of the state. Police were alerted to a wrong-way driver on the rural highway after several 911 calls. They said that driver was speeding on the four-lane highway.
When police caught up with the driver, he had crashed into a truck. Four people were in that truck and they all were injured after the crash. The truck also caught fire, putting everyone in extreme danger. In fact, the officer reported the truck had a minor explosion as he approached.
While three of the victims could walk away, one could not escape. She was trapped and unconscious. The officer used his pocketknife to cut the seatbelt and free the victim, but had difficulty freeing her legs. Around this time, a bystander came by to help at the scene. He freed the victim’s legs and helped the officer carry the unconscious woman away from the fire.
As soon as the victim was freed, the windshield collapsed and flames filled the cab. This was an extremely close call.
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The wrong-way driver was also injured in the crash and has been charged with DUI and other charges. Surprisingly, the person driving the truck is also under investigation for a possible DUI in this incident. The unconscious woman suffered broken feet and ribs, fractured vertebrae, and a concussion. Amazingly, she had no burns from the fire.
We also wish to extend our thanks and gratitude to the brave pair who saved this woman’s life. Without their work, this would have turned into a fatal accident.
If you are ever in a collision with a wrong-way driver, seek help. Call John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
