GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, New Jersey -- Two New Jersey State Police troopers pulled an unconscious man from a burning car moments before it became fully engulfed in flames over the weekend.
Troopers Thomas O'Connor and Christopher Warwick responded to a call for a car in the grass median that was possibly involved in a crash around 11:23 p.m. Nov. 4 on State Highway 42 in Gloucester Township, according to a news release.
When the troopers arrived, they observed a Ford Fusion against the metal guardrail with smoke coming from the front wheel well. The driver of the Ford was unconscious and his foot was pressed on the accelerator.
Moments after their arrival, the front end of the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The troopers worked relentlessly to free the entrapped driver from the car as the fire began to spread to the passenger compartment.
Within seconds of the car becoming fully engulfed in flames, O'Connor and Warwick were able to pull the man out of the driver side window and drag him to safety.
Once out of the car, the driver regained consciousness and did not sustain any injuries in the crash. After an evaluation by EMS, the driver declined any further medical attention.
"The quick and decisive actions of Trooper O'Connor and Trooper Warwick undoubtedly prevented a tragedy," a statement by the New Jersey State Police reads.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
