Good Samaritan, Bystanders Pull Driver to Safety Seconds Before Car Explodes
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Good Samaritan, with the help of bystanders, pulled a man to safety moments before his Lamborghini burst into flames in Downtown Chicago over the weekend.
Around 3 p.m. on Saturday, the driver had smashed head on into a light post as he swerved to miss a car that was turning when it wasn't supposed to, authorities said. But this quick action, left the driver, himself, in danger.
The original impact was fierce enough to split the driver's Lamborghini in two, CBS2's Vince Gerasole reports.
Roscoe Village resident Drew Throne saw the accident happen, at Columbus and Balbo Drives, and immediately sprung into action. "I kind of threw the car in park and hopped out and just ran across the intersection," Throne said.
He and another bystander found the driver thrown to the passenger side of the vehicle with a gash wound to the head. The driver was going in and out of consciousness, Throne said.
Then, "I noticed some smoke was coming up from beneath the passenger seat and that's when one of the other gentlemen said that we need to get him out of the car, like it smelled like gas."
Bystanders heard Throne's cries to help pry the man free and joined in on the rescue. The group effort most likely saved the driver's life.
Throne is seen on a video cradling the injured man to safety.
"Just right place, right time," said Throne. "I just hope he is OK and we'll see him in the street walking instead of the hospital next time."
The driver has not yet been identified. At the time of the crash, he was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Records show he was transported there in serious condition.