Bystanders pull man from burning car in New Castle, likely saving his life

This browser does not support the video element.

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Quick thinking by bystanders might have saved the life of a man who barely escaped from his burning car Wednesday.

Sandy Wallace was driving his 1998 Chevy Camaro down South Ray Street in New Castle Wednesday afternoon when it burst into flames for unknown reasons.

FREE APPS | NOW | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Alan Myers, who lives nearby, said people jumped into action when they saw what was happening.

“As soon as he opened up his door, all of the fire went inside of the car,” Myers said. “My son-in-law ran over to help him out and they dragged him over in front of our driveway so we could get water on him and stuff like that.”

It was the quick thinking of his son-in-law Devin Derry that might have saved Wallace’s life.

“The flames weren’t so bad until he opened the door and then it engulfed the whole car in the flames,” Derry said. “It started getting really bad. I was happy he got out of there.”

Wallace was taken to Jameson Hospital in New Castle with severe burns to his arms and legs. Police and firefighters quickly put out the flames and got Wallace into an ambulance.

Wallace was flown to another hospital to receive treatment and Channel 11 is working to learn his condition.