Correction officer saves driver from burning car in New Jersey
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A New Jersey corrections officer is being hailed as a hero after pulling a driver from a fiery crash.
Police tweeted out a picture showing the car engulfed in flames at Route 535 South at the intersection of Route 32 in South Brunswick around 9:15 p.m. Sunday.
Authorities say Donald Carson was off duty when he witnessed an Audi driven by 59-year-old Catherine Bohar crashing into the back of a tractor trailer. Bohar's air bag deployed, rendering her unconscious.
"I was a little bit calm because I wanted her to be calm because I didn't know how it was when I approached her," Carson said. "But at the same time, you see fire, you see gasoline on the floor, on the ground, so I didn't know what to expect."
Carson was driving past the crash and observed Bohar slumped over at the wheel and her vehicle beginning to catch fire. He then exited his vehicle and was able to unbuckle Bohar's seat belt before pulling her from the car.
"So I just went with my gut and said 'Let's get her out as soon as I can' and just got her out," Carson said. "But it was definitely scary, one of the scariest times of my life."
Bohar suffered a wrist injury and was transported to a local hospital.
The roadway was closed for two hours as the Monmouth Junction Fire Department put out the fire.
Police Chief Raymond Hayducka credited Carson's bravery in the near deadly crash.
"Donald Carson's quick actions prevented a tragedy," he said. "His selfless actions were able to help save the life of Catherine Bohar."
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