Passerby Helps Rescue Teens From Burning Car In West Milford

WEST MILFORD, NJ — An ordinary citizen jumped into action to help West Milford Police rescue two teenagers from a burning car over the weekend, officials said.

The teens were northbound on Clinton Road and crashed down an embankment when the driver lost control on a curve before the Terrace Pond parking area, police said. Officers responded to the scene just before 11 p.m on Saturday.

The Subaru sedan was smoking when police arrived, and caught fire as Officer Peter Wunk was tending to the 18-year old passenger and 19-year-old driver, both males from Butler.

As the fire spread to the nearby brush, the as-yet anonymous good Samaritan helped Wunk pull the driver out of the car, police said. Officer Nicholas Soltesz got the passenger out, while West Milford firefighters put out the flames.

The West Milford First Aid Squad and Atlantic EMS and Paramedics rendered first aid to the teens, before transporting them to St. Joseph's University Hospital.

Both officers had minor injuries, and were released from Chilton Hospital on Sunday morning after being evaluated. Officials did not mention any injuries to the citizen who helped out.

Police are still investigating the incident, and ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has any more information to call Officer Wunk or Lieutenant Gary Yarnall at 973-728-2802.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service was also at the scene, along with West Milford Fire Companies 3, 5, and 6 and Fire Commissioner 801.