Bystanders called “heroes” for saving driver in fiery crash

Local News
Residents pulled the driver from a burning car crash Thursday night in northwestern Bartholomew County. Photo courtesy of Derek Jones.

Bartholomew County firefighters are calling bystanders heroes for their rescue of a victim from a flaming car wreck last night.

Firefighters are calling residents heroes after rescuing a driver from a burning car Thursday night. Photo courtesy of German Township Volunteer Fire Department.

The incident happened at about 10:15 p.m.  in the 8000 block of North County Road 250W, when a car crashed near a home, landing on its side and knocking down power lines. Residents noticed that the driver was still inside the vehicle, calling for help, and that a small fire had started underneath the vehicle. Russ and Loren Jones, ran outside and pulled the driver to safety through the back window, moments before the car completely burst into flames, says Chief Matt Lynch of the German Township Volunteer Fire Department. They then pulled the victim further away from the flaming wreckage and downed power lines.

Lynch said that the father and son likely saved the driver’s life. The car went from a small fire to fully engulfed in about three minutes, Lynch says. The victim was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment of injuries and Bartholomew County REMC restored power.