MEMPHIS — A car burst into flames in Tennessee over the weekend and a dramatic rescue saved the driver. The car was destroyed, but one thing came out in tact.
It was a scary sight: a Jeep completely up in flames on the Ridgeway exit off 385.
“Everybody started getting stuff to bust the windows,” witness Elicia Bridgforth said. “We had to get the man out of this car.”
Witnesses say the Jeep was driving eastbound on 385 when it was sideswiped by another car, pushing it down a hill and into a pole.
Moments later, flames came through the hood of the car.
“All I could find was a gallon of water, so I went back and wet him so maybe it wouldn’t burn him and I could keep him as moist as he could possibly be,” witness Corey Kilpatrick recalled.
They tried to find a fire extinguisher, but were unsuccessful. Then, a man ran over with a jack iron and broke through the window.
“It appeared he was completely trapped in the driver’s seat because the steering wheel was pressed up against his chest,” a witness said.
Witnesses carried the man to safety. Shortly afterward, loud popping noises were heard coming from the car. A noise, witnesses say, they won’t forget.
“I said this car is going to blow Lord. Please let me get this man out.”
The driver was taken to local hospital in non-critical condition. But a sight that brought tears to many was a Bible. It was the only thing left in the completely burned vehicle, sitting on the front seat.
“That is God. If you don’t believe it. I don’t know what to say,” witness Eugene McNeil said.
