A Campbell River man was pulled from a burning SUV just seconds before it became fully engulfed in flames last week thanks to the quick actions of police officers on patrol.
According to the RCMP, the dramatic rescue happened around 9:30 p.m. on March 5th when officers with the BC Highway Patrol and the Campbell River RCMP were conducting proactive patrols in the south end of the city.
While travelling near the intersection of Willow Creek Road and Jubilee Parkway, officers came across a white sport utility vehicle that had rolled over and caught fire.
When they approached the wreckage, officers discovered a man was still trapped inside the vehicle.
Police smashed open the sunroof and pulled the unconscious man out. Moments after the rescue, the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames.
BC Emergency Health Services and the Campbell River Fire Department were called to the scene and quickly responded to assist.
The injured man, a Campbell River resident in his 40s, was first taken to North Island Hospital in Campbell River before being transferred to Victoria with serious injuries.
“This incident is a shocking reminder of the dangerous situations police officers can find themselves in every day,” Inspector Jeff Preston said in a statement.
“The officers during this incident showed amazing calm and bravery under immense personal danger.”
He also thanked BC Emergency Health Services and the Campbell River Fire Department for their quick response and support.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Campbell River RCMP at (250) 286-6221.
