Off-Duty N.H. Firefighter Helps Save Driver After Wreck

A New Hampshire state trooper and Manchester firefighter took part in a daring rescue after a road-rage accident on Interstate 93 in Massachusetts witnessed by New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch and first lady Susan Lynch Sunday night.

According to a news release, Trooper Scott Frye was heading northbound on I-93 near Exit 44 in Andover, Mass., driving Gov. Lynch and the first lady. Frye said a "road rage incident" unfolded in front of him about 6:45 p.m.

The three watched as a vehicle went over the guardrail and rolled down an embankment, catching fire while at rest on the driver's side. The driver was trapped inside.

Trooper Frye said that he stopped to assist. As Gov. Lynch called 911 to report the accident, Frye grabbed a fire extinguisher from the trunk of the cruiser.

Frye and an as-yet-unidentified, off-duty Manchester firefighter tried to free the lone occupant of the vehicle. The two attempted several times to remove the driver, who was pinned in the vehicle.

According to the news release, the driver's legs were trapped under the dashboard. The man continually called out in pain and pleaded for Frye and the firefighter not to let him burn. The vehicle was on fire when Frye entered through the front windshield, moving the driver's seat and back section. The trooper reached under the dash and freed the man's legs.

With the assistance of the Manchester firefighter, he then pulled the man out over the dashboard and through the smashed windshield.

Seconds after the driver was pulled to safety, the vehicle burst into flames, the news release said.

Frye was taken to a local hospital with smoke and chemical inhalation injuries, minor cuts and scrapes. He was treated and released.

The incident is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Troop "A", Andover Barracks.

Copyright 2012 - The New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester

McClatchy-Tribune News Service