TULSA, Okla. — Quick action by citizens, police officers and firefighters helped save three people trapped inside a burning vehicle following a serious crash in Tulsa.
According to Tulsa Police, officers responded to an injury collision around 6:32 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, near East 41st Street and the Broken Arrow Expressway.
Investigators said a white Ford F-350 was turning left from the westbound lanes of 41st Street when it turned in front of an eastbound black Dodge Challenger. The Challenger struck the pickup, rolled and caught fire.
Several citizens who witnessed the crash immediately rushed to help, managing to pull two occupants from the burning Challenger. However, the driver remained trapped inside.
When Tulsa Police officers arrived, they began using fire extinguishers to battle the flames while attempting to reach the trapped driver.
Tulsa Fire Department firefighters soon arrived and worked alongside officers to free the driver from the burning vehicle.
Firefighters performed life-saving measures at the scene before the driver was transported to a Tulsa hospital in critical condition. Police said the driver is expected to survive.
The other two occupants of the Challenger, along with the driver of the F-350, were also transported to the hospital for treatment.
Tulsa Police Advanced Traffic Investigators continue to investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police praised the citizens, officers and firefighters who rushed into action, crediting their quick response and teamwork with helping get the victims to safety.
Photo courtesy of Tulsa Police Department
