Airmen pull accident victims from burning vehicle Published Nov. 3, 2006 By 1st Lt. Amanda Ferrell 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AETCNS) -- An enjoyable night on the town for two-music loving Airmen took an unexpected turn last month when they faced a life and death situation along a stretch of Florida highway. "We were on our way home from a concert," said Airman 1st Class Shane Reid, 81st Range Control Squadron weapons director technician. "A car in front of us veered from the right lane into the left, then swerved across both lanes of traffic and lost control. He drove right off the road into the tree line that ran along the interstate." The Airmen said they were caught off guard by what they had witnessed, but reacted immediately to the situation. "I didn't think twice," said Airman 1st Class Keith Johnson, 81st RCS weapons director technician. "We pulled over and ran to the car. The hood of the car was barely touching the ground and glass was scattered everywhere. Both airbags were deployed and all the doors were smashed in." After ensuring emergency medical services were called to the scene, the Airmen approached the vehicle to find two passengers in the wreckage. "I figured they couldn't have survived," Airman Reid said. "But both victims were alive. The driver was less responsive and seemed to be in shock, but the passenger said she was OK." Another passer-by stopped to assist the Airmen before emergency teams arrived. Initially, the three responders decided not to move the victims before the paramedics arrived for fear of causing further injury. Shortly after the Airmen made contact with the victims, a small fire started near the engine under the badly damaged hood. "The three of us tried to open the driver's door to get the victims out of the car," Airman Reid said. "The fire was starting to spread and caught some leaves and brush on fire around the car's hood." Smoke soon surrounded the area, and the Airmen knew they needed to immediately get the victims out of the car and away from the smoke and fumes. According to the Airmen, a loud "pop" sounded from the engine and fire continued to spread. "We unlocked the driver's door and pried it open," Airman Reid said. Airman Johnson and the other young man were able to carry the driver to a safe place far from the flames, smoke and fumes. "We quickly went back to the car and helped his wife out of the passenger seat and pulled her out of the car," Airman Johnson said. "As Airman Reid was comforting the male driver, I was making a clearing for the paramedics who would be arriving shortly." The Airmen were seeking safe ground when suddenly, approximately 150 feet behind them, the vehicle exploded and was engulfed in flames. The Airmen and victims were startled by the explosion, but were able to make it to the road safely where they were met by paramedics and state troopers. The victims were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital by Madison County Emergency Medical Services. "My husband was driving and lost consciousness; we ended up in a ravine," said Jane Evans, accident victim. "The two young men came running down the ravine and pulled us out of the burning car. They saved two lives that day, and we're very grateful." Ms. Evans said the Airmen helped them find the assistance they needed and saw to it that they were safely taken to the hospital. Charles Evans, Jane's husband, spent several days in the hospital following the accident. "I would like to tell those gentlemen how grateful I am for what they did to help us; they saved us from the explosion and truly saved our lives," Ms. Evans said.