Hero Deli Worker Quells Harlem Crash Flames, Woman On Brink Of Death

HARLEM, NY — A hero deli worker rushed to quell the flames of a four-car pile-up that left one woman clinging to life Wednesday afternoon, according to police and the bodega employee.

USA Deli employee Rashad Ali grabbed a fire extinguisher and his phone, dialing 911 as he ran toward the crash on West 119th Street and Lenox Avenue about noon Wednesday, he told Patch.

"I just wanted to help," Ali told Patch. "I went to grab my phone to call 911 and picked up our fire extinguisher at the same time."

Ali and another man spotted a man passed out in front seat of a smoking car and tried to open the door, he told Patch.

But the door was jammed shut and flames were starting to spread, Ali said.

"We couldn't get the door open and I saw fire was starting to come out," he said. "I just used the extinguisher."

The extinguisher put out the flames, he said.

Police say two men and two women, one critically injured, were rushed to St. Luke's and Harlem hospitals.

The NYPD did not specify how many cars were involved in the crash or whether those injured were pedestrians, drivers or passengers.

But video posted to the Citizen App shows at least four cars were involved in the smash-up.

This is a developing story, please check back in for details.