Illinois Troopers Pull Driver From Burning SUV

Two Illinois state troopers and several bystanders pull a suspected drunk driver from a burning vehicle Sunday.

It happened around 4 a.m. on the Bishop-Ford Freeway southbound exit ramp to Sibley Blvd, near Dolton.

State police say 34-year-old Tamara Jackson of Chicago was drunk and driving too fast when she crashed her black Chevy Tahoe into a tree. A passenger was able to escape the SUV with no injuries. But Jackson's legs were trapped and the vehicle was on fire.

"Her body was hanging out the driver's side door and when I looked inside, both of her legs were stuck under the dashboard," said Trooper Jacqueline del Villar.

Del Villar was the first officer at the scene. A short time later, Sergeant Henry Spight arrived and quickly doused Jackson's legs with a fire extinguisher.

"That probably bought us another 10 to 15 seconds," said Spight. "At the time, the entire engine compartment was on fire and flames were coming towards her legs."

Bystanders helped the troopers pull the woman out, dislodging her just moments before the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.

Police say Jackson had no clue she had even been in an accident and admitted that she had drank "a ton."

Jackson is charged with driving under the influence. She was treated and released from an area hospital.

Del Villar and Spight were also treated for minor cuts and burns.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service