'I Am Still Here Because Of All Of You,' Rescued I-78 Woman Says

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Monday, Sept. 16 is a day that Renu Rajnarayan and Barry Whalen will never forget. Although Rajnarayan has no memory of the fiery crash on I-78 in Basking Ridge, she does know that Whalen and others pulled her out of the car and saved her life. Now she is publicly thanking Whalen for his efforts.

On that fateful day at around 10 a.m. Rajnarayan, 46, of East Brunswick was listening to the news as she was driving to work — something she has done on the same road for the last 10 years. The next thing she remembers is waking up in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.

Rajnarayan had gone off the highway near Exit 33 in Basking Ridge and overturned before her car caught fire. An unconscious and trapped Rajnarayan was then pulled from the vehicle moments before it fully engulfed in flames by good Samaritans including Whalen, a 54-year-old dump-truck driver from Jackson. (See Related: Heroic Driver Pulled Woman From Burning Car In I-78 Crash)

"To you, the event might be clear as day but for me the event and its immediate aftermath is a complete blank," Rajnarayan said. Her husband typed the thank-you email for her since her right hand is in a cast.

Doctors at the hospital told Rajnarayan that the reason she doesn't remember anything is because it’s God’s or her brain’s way of dealing with trauma and not to question it.

"To me, reading the article about the accident and the heroic efforts of you and others involved in getting the driver out alive seems like a fantastic story of rescue of someone else," Rajnarayan said. "Then again, I have the injuries and the trauma to confirm I was there."

"I don't think words can do justice in showing gratitude but all I can say is a heartfelt thanks," Rajnarayan continued. "Thank God for you and other bystanders who came to my rescue regardless of the danger to yourselves. Thank God for the policemen, firemen, the emergency responders and the medical team that treated me following the accident. I am still here because of all of you."

Rajnarayan along with her family, loved ones and friends "sent countless blessings" to Whalen.

"Hopefully we can meet after I have recovered somewhat from my injuries, however long that takes," Rajnarayan said.

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