Good Samaritan Pulls Driver From Burning Car In Round Lake

ROUND LAKE, IL — A Good Samaritan pulled a driver from his burning car after it crashed on Route 120 and Wildspring Road in Round Lake Sunday night.

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 was found in flames, which were coming from the occupant compartment and a compartment that stored the car's lithium battery, when fire crews arrived at about 10 p.m.

Two other fire departments assisted at the scene and it took fire crews one hour and 45 minutes and about 10,000 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze, according to a news release from the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District.

The vehicle had to be flipped to its side so firefighters could gain better access to the battery to put the blaze out, according to fire officials.

The driver of the car was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center. The condition of the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was not immediately available.

A Round Lake Police Department officer was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation.