Bystanders, Off-Duty Police Officer Help Rescue 3 People Trapped After Fiery Rollover Crash: Wallingford PD

WALLINGFORD, CT — Several bystanders, including an off-duty police officer, helped rescue three people who were trapped inside a vehicle after a fiery rollover crash early Monday morning in Wallingford, according to police.

The Wallingford Police Department Communications Center received a call around 1:50 a.m. on March 30 reporting a single-car crash in the 400 block of South Elm Street.

The initial report indicated that the vehicle had rolled over, according to police.

Police said the first patrol officer to arrive at the scene found a vehicle with three people trapped inside, and it was starting to catch fire.

“Several bystanders, including an off-duty police officer, helped to try to control the fire and assist in extricating the occupants,” police wrote in a news release. “The officer used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames, and a neighbor used a hose from their home to help contain the fire. The officer broke a window to rescue the three trapped occupants before the vehicle was fully engulfed.”

Multiple ambulances responded, and police said all three occupants were taken to hospitals for treatment.

“Because of the seriousness of the crash, the South-Central Connecticut Regional Traffic Unit, which includes accident investigators from Branford, East Haven, Madison, North Branford, Guilford, North Haven, and Wallingford, was called to take over the investigation,” police wrote. “Police Chief John Ventura would like to extend his personal gratitude to the community members who acted quickly to save these individuals. Their heroic efforts undoubtedly saved three lives.”

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wallingford Police Department at 203-294-2800.