MANHATTAN, IL — One person was critically injured Wednesday morning after a vehicle struck a tree and caught fire in the 12900 block of Offner Road. The patient was flown to Loyola University Medical Center's burn unit for treatment.
The Manhattan Fire Protection District (MFPD) was dispatched to the crash at approximately 10:54 a.m. Before emergency personnel arrived, two bystanders pulled the patient from the burning vehicle and moved the person to safety, officials said.
MFPD personnel arrived on the scene within six minutes of the initial call for service. Firefighters treated the patient and extinguished the fire.
A New Lenox Fire Protection District ambulance also responded to assist with patient care. The patient was subsequently flown by LifeStar helicopter to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition.
The Manhattan Fire Protection District recognized the actions of the two bystanders who assisted the patient before emergency personnel arrived, saying their willingness to act during a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation was greatly appreciated.
Mutual aid assistance was provided by neighboring fire departments to maintain emergency coverage throughout the district. The Elwood Fire Protection District and Mokena Fire Protection District provided station coverage at Station 81, while the Beecher Fire Protection District and University Park Fire Protection District provided coverage at Station 83.
The crash remains under investigation by the Will County Sheriff's Office. Offner Road will remain closed in the area for an undetermined amount of time while investigators conduct accident reconstruction.
This incident follows several serious motor vehicle crashes throughout the Manhattan Fire Protection District's response area in recent days, fire officials said. While these incidents occurred in different locations and are separate events, the district reminds motorists to remain alert, avoid distractions, obey posted speed limits and exercise caution while traveling on area roadways.
The district also reminds the public to call 911 immediately when witnessing an emergency, remain a safe distance from hazardous conditions, and follow instructions provided by emergency dispatchers.
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