Deputy, Good Samaritan Save Woman From Burning Car

PHILIPSTOWN, NY — A Putnam County sheriff's deputy rescued a trapped woman from a burning car on Route 9D Aug. 3.

Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. said Deputy William Varrastro was traveling south on Route 9D shortly after 10 a.m. Aug. 3 in the town of Philipstown near Boscobel when he saw a shite Hyundai behind him suddenly veer off the road.

The car hit a tree and caught on fire, Varrastro said.

The deputy immediately ran to the aid of a motorist who was trapped and unconscious in the burning vehicle which was by then partially engulfed in flames.

With the help of a good Samaritan, and without regard to their personal safety, the pair gained access to the car.

The sheriff's department is attempting to identify the good Samaritan, Langley said.

Varrastro freed the woman from the burning vehicle and carried her to safety after which the car was consumed by flames.

The sheriff's department said it was likely the woman would have died were it not for the quick actions and teamwork in a life-threatening situation.