WATCH: Bystanders and Off-Duty Firefighters Rescue Family From Burning SUV
EmailBarbara Pinto's report on World News tonight is an incredible story of strangers coming to the rescue of a family in trouble. When neighbors saw smoke and flames coming from an SUV flipped on its side, they responded instantly. They quickly pulled a two year-old girl and her mother to safety. But a four year-old boy was trapped – buckled into his safety seat. That's when two off-duty firefighters stepped in and took turns diving into the burning car to get him out.
With the help of a fire extinguisher and water from garden hoses, the firefighters were able to free the boy and help cool his burns with water. The spunky four year old is badly burned, but doctors expect him to make full recovery. Neighbors are astonished that everyone survived the ordeal.
A bystander caught the whole thing on tape. Watch the raw video below.
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I have never been so immediately overcome with emotion as I was after I watched the video of concerned citizens rescuing the driver and children of the overturned vehicle. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for putting the safety and welfare of others before your own.
Posted by: Susan | July 21, 2009, 7:01 pm 7:01 pm
I grew up in Wisconsin and now live in Texas. I always boast about how great people are in Wisconsin and was really proud to see it in action by these individuals on TV.
Posted by: carmen | July 21, 2009, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
Thank God for such caring people! For all the bad news we receive everyday it’s a epiphany like this that totally restores your faith in humanity! I am proud to live in the same country with such caring & brave people!
Posted by: Kulardenu | July 21, 2009, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm
i’m without words at the heroic actions of all the people who helped this family. they truly saved their lives. just when i thik people are rude and callous, i see this type of special thoughtfulness and it restores some faith. bless them all.
Posted by: jill | July 21, 2009, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
god bless all those people who helped those people.
Posted by: claudia meador | July 21, 2009, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm
thank you for the brave people who saved the family. God will bless them. I would do the same in a heartbeat for my kids and anyother kids or any person in need.
Posted by: Joaquin Mendoza | July 21, 2009, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm
I too grew up in Wisconsin (I spent many years living in the Milwaukee suburbs) and currently live in Houston, Tx. And I too have long tried to express to folks living here the amazing character of many of the citizens of Wisconsin. It is gratifying the see this video shot on Layton Avenue demonstrating what I have known my whole life … that the quiet, hardy people of Wisconsin can be relied on to help their neighbor, or even a stranger, when the chips are down. Thanks for airing it on TV and on your website.
Posted by: Blane | July 21, 2009, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
In a country where any reality show jerk can become a household name, we need to celebrate these true heroes. I wish I knew their names! I agree with the other posters; I got a lump in my throat and a renewed faith in my fellow citizens.
Posted by: Buzz Watson | July 21, 2009, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
I just want to give praise to the two Rechlitz brothers, volunteers of the MFD and the off duty policeman whom helped rescue and most likely saved the lives of the family rescued from the burning SUV. It is remarkable how our local fire departments have such courageous volunteers. All too many times they never once consider their circumstances when placing their lives in danger. They react quickly. These men are to be congratulated and honored for risking their lives to save others. In fact let us remember to thank each and every firefighter for their service to our communities daily.
God Bless and Protect!
Wanda
Posted by: Wanda Michalsky | July 22, 2009, 12:24 pm 12:24 pm