A dramatic and heroic scene unfolded on a St. Paul highway last Thursday when a group of strangers banded together to save the life of a driver trapped in a burning vehicle. The heart-stopping incident was captured on dashcam footage by Kadir Tolla, who happened upon the fiery crash scene while driving into the city. The Minnesota State Patrol reports that the driver of a Honda was traveling eastbound on Interstate 94 when they drifted off the road, struck a light pole, and then crashed into a guardrail.
Tolla’s video shows the intense efforts of him and several other good Samaritans as they attempted to pry open the vehicle’s doors, which were jammed shut. Despite their efforts, the flames continued to grow, making the rescue mission even more urgent. “The worst thing that could have happened was I could probably get burned a little or get injured, but that man could literally lose his life,” Tolla said in an interview with local news outlet WCCO.
For several minutes, the group worked tirelessly to free the driver from the burning car, but their efforts seemed futile. However, their determination and bravery paid off when a Minnesota Department of Transportation worker appeared on the scene. Using a window punch tool, he managed to break the driver’s side window and pull the driver to safety. The moment was captured on Tolla’s dashcam and has since gone viral on social media.
Dave Klepaida, the MnDOT worker who joined the rescue efforts, revealed that he happened to be patrolling the area when he came across the crash. Without hesitation, he sprang into action to help the driver, not realizing the impact his actions would have. “To me, it’s just doing my job. Everyone stepped up and just did it. It wasn’t training, it was just being in the right place at the right time,” Klepaida said in an interview with a local news outlet.
NEW: A group of Good Samaritans save a driver in Minnesota from his burning car after he got in a crash on the I-94 highway.
The driver was stuck in the burning vehicle and couldn’t get out.
The group who pulled him out said they were getting hit in the face by the scorching… pic.twitter.com/SIjuwCEG3y
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 21, 2024
The successful rescue was also attributed to the window punch tool that Klepaida used to break the car glass. He emphasized the importance of having this tool on hand for all drivers, as it can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. Thanks to the quick thinking of the good Samaritans and first responders, the driver was rescued without any serious injuries.
The driver, identified as Sam Orbovich, released a statement on Monday morning, expressing his gratitude for the actions of the strangers and first responders who saved his life. He stated that he is alive today because of their bravery and quick thinking. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and lending a helping hand to those in need.
The heroism displayed by Tolla, Klepaida, and the other good Samaritans has not gone unnoticed, with many applauding their selfless actions. The incident also highlights the power of technology, with Tolla’s dashcam footage capturing the intense rescue efforts and bringing attention to the actions of these everyday heroes. A potentially tragic accident was turned into a miraculous story of courage and compassion, reminding us all of the strength we have when we come together as a community.
