Neighbors Race to Save Driver from Engulfed Vehicle. City to Commend Heroes, but 1 Rescuer's Identity Still Unknown

Residents of Battle Creek, Michigan, acted heroically last month to pull a man from a car engulfed in flames. Megan Waschak, an off-duty emergency dispatcher, said, We knew we needed to help them. Waschak and the others involved have been nominated for citizen awards, though one rescuer remains unidentified.

On November 5, a vehicle struck a pole on Capital Avenue Northeast and began to catch fire with the driver still inside, according to city officials. Waschak, who was at home at the time, heard the crash and rushed outside. You could hear the tires squeal and then the big bang, she recalled.

Upon arriving, Waschak saw the car against a cement barrier with flames beginning to rise. A young man was already speaking to the driver. The fire was getting worse, and the driver didnt seem to notice. It was life over limb at that point; we needed to get him out. He wasnt going to exit by himself, Waschak said.

Working together, Waschak and the young man managed to remove the driver from the vehicle. Shortly after, another neighbor, Donovan Greer, joined to help carry the man to safety.

The efforts didnt stop there. Robert Hegerberg, a local passing by, witnessed the rescue and helped manage traffic until emergency responders arrived. Hegerberg later advocated for public recognition of the rescuers. People need more positive news, he told officials.

Hegerberg discovered the identities of Waschak and Greer, but the third participant has not yet been identified. City officials are coordinating with the police department to officially honor the recognized rescuers.

For Waschak, aiding the driver was simply part of being a responsible community member. The entire community did not act expecting any reward. We know this area, this happens all the time, and we knew we needed to help, she said. The identified rescuers are now slated to receive citizen awards from the Battle Creek Police Department.

Author: Sophia Brooks