Michigan State Police (MSP) released dashcam video of a trooper and bystanders trying to rescue a driver trapped inside a burning, overturned vehicle Aug. 22. They kept the fire in check until extrication equipment arrived on scene to free the woman.
According to MSP, a 73-year-old woman suffered a medical event while driving and her 2018 Chevrolet Equinox crossed the road into a ditch, where it struck a culvert and overturned. The car came to rest on the passenger side with the conscious and alert driver trapped inside.
When the trooper arrived, flames were visible from the engine compartment, and she immediately ran to the overturned vehicle and began trying to break the windshield using her hands, arms, and feet to gain access to the driver who was trapped inside. At one point she even used an ax to break away parts of the windshield.
Several bystanders offered assistance as fire department personnel, additional state troopers, and deputies from the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department arrived on scene.
Working together, the small group of individuals pushed the vehicle upright allowing the side door of the car to be opened. Five fire extinguishers were used to contain the fire until firefighters arrived.
The driver was removed from the vehicle using extrication equipment and was transported to the hospital where she is expected to survive, MSP reports.
MSP Grand Rapids Post trooper, civilians, and Muskegon County Deputy make heroic attempts to rescue trapped driver. https://t.co/qggT4nOztTpic.twitter.com/ZqDgpjcUJE
— MSP Sixth District (@mspwestmi) August 26, 2022
