Troopers Rescue Two Men from Burning Vehicles Following Three-Vehicle Crash; Two Troopers Treated for Injuries Resulting from Rescue Efforts

Last evening just before 10:30 p.m., a Michigan State Police (MSP) Lansing Post trooper was traveling north on US-127 near Barnes Road when he discovered a three-vehicle traffic crash, in which two of the vehicles were on fire.

Without hesitation, the trooper set about to rescue the driver of a Ford F-150, whose vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The trooper was successful in his efforts, and the 22-year-old male driver from Lansing was able to be transported via ambulance to Sparrow Hospital.

Additional troopers, as well as officers from the Leslie Police Department, Mason Police Department and Ingham County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, and working together they attempted to extinguish the fire, as it was spreading to another involved vehicle, in which the driver was pinned inside. The officers were successful in slowing the spread of the fire and were able to rescue the driver of the second vehicle.  This individual, a 25-year old male from Leslie, was airlifted to Sparrow Hospital.

The driver of a third involved vehicle, a 19-year old male from Leslie, was also transported via ambulance to Sparrow Hospital.

"From the first trooper to arrive on-scene whose heroic actions are to be commended, to all the subsequent officers who worked cooperatively together to save lives at this very serious crash scene, I couldn't be prouder of the courage and bravery on display," stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. "I have no doubt if you asked any of these officers about this incident, they would simply say this act of service and selflessness was merely a part of their job. I, for one, am thankful they were there last night."  

The first trooper to arrive sustained injuries, to include minor burns and smoke inhalation, while rescuing the pick-up truck driver. A second trooper was also treated for smoke inhalation.

Preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the F-150 was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes and struck the other two vehicles head on. The crash remains under investigation, but alcohol does appear to be a factor in the crash.