Watch: Dashcam video shows troopers, passersby rescue driver from burning car

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — Connecticut state troopers and passersby are being hailed as heroes after footage from a dashboard camera captured their rescue of a New York driver from a burning vehicle.

The rescue happened around 2:35 p.m. Monday on Interstate 84 in Middlebury, where troopers were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash. Connecticut State Police officials reported that a sergeant on his way home from training was near the scene and arrived shortly after the call was received.

The trooper found passersby trying to remove the trapped 26-year-old driver from the car, which was sending a large amount of smoke into the air, the statement from troopers said. The trooper tried to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher from his police cruiser, but the fire continued to burn.

Two additional troopers arrived at the scene and helped those already trying to pry the door of the car open. By breaking a window, the rescuers were able to remove the injured driver from the vehicle.

The dashcam video shows troopers carrying the driver, who sustained minor injuries, from the wreckage.

Two of the troopers suffered cuts to their hands from the broken window, the statement from state police officials said.

The agency shared the video in two parts on Facebook, where commenters praised those who saved the driver.

“Heroic efforts by all,” one woman wrote. “He’s a very lucky guy right there!”

“Troopers are the best,” one man wrote. “Awesome job.”

Another man praised the civilians involved in the rescue, as well.

“The trooper has the resources available, but he/she can’t always do it alone,” the man wrote. “Thanks to the other motorists for all their help, too!”

Cox Media Group