A Stamford police officer is recuperating after pulling a man from a burning car Monday night. The man who was in the burning vehicle is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Around 8 p.m. on Monday, a Chevy Blazer hit a GMC van parked on Selleck Street, spun and caught fire, witnesses told police.
When Officer William Mercado arrived, the Blazer was burning. The man inside was unresponsive.
The first time Mercado tried to get into the Blazer, the flames were so intense they drove him back and consumed the vehicle and the 43-year-old Stamford man inside.
But Mercado did not give up. He tried again and this time reached the man. With some help from bystanders, he pulled the man from the car and extinguished the flames burning the man’s head and torso.
Crews extinguished the car fire. The victim was taken to Stamford Hospital, then to Bridgeport Hospital. His injuries are considered life-threatening.
Mercado, a four-year-veteran of the department, was treated for burns on his hands and he is now recovering at home.
Local
Police are investigating the crash.
