Watch: Connecticut teacher rescues unconscious driver from burning car

MANCHESTER, connect. – Firefighters are praising a Connecticut high school teacher after she pulled an unconscious driver from a burning car on Thursday.

The Manchester Fire and Rescue Ambulance Service says Heather Sika Leonard, a teacher at Illing High School in Manchester, almost certainly saved the driver’s life.

Driver John has limited mobility and uses a wheelchair, according to the fire department.

“While driving his van down Main Street, he smelled smoke, then moved his cup holder to reveal flames coming from his dashboard. He stopped the car at the edge of the ramp, suddenly finding himself in a burning car, ”the Manchester Fire and Rescue Ambulance Service said. , adding that his van’s fuel tank had burst.

A helmet camera provided by the fire department shows how firefighters arrived on the scene on Feb. 23.

Leonard, who was driving off the freeway at the same time, noticed the emergency unfolding and stopped her car to help.

“She immediately stopped, approached the burning car and selflessly pulled John and his wheelchair out of the car and moved him to safety, risking injury,” the department said. “Her actions prevented almost certain death and prevented injury.”

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This story was reported from Los Angeles.