Despite Heroic Efforts, Massachusetts Crash Victim Dies

BEVERLY, Mass. -- Heroic efforts by firefighters were not enough to save a Beverly man whose vehicle rolled over on Hale Street in the early hours Saturday.

His name has not been released but his age was put at roughly 55, said Deputy Fire Chief William Walsh.

The burning vehicle was on its side between a telephone pole and a rock wall when Engine 3 arrived on scene, according to Fire Department spokesman Deputy Chief Peter O'Connor. Fire "heavily involved" the engine compartment.

The driver, meanwhile, had been tossed from the vehicle and was pinned beneath it. He was also unresponsive.

At this point, Lt. Paul Rideout placed himself protectively between the driver and the fire, as his colleagues worked to extract him. Rideout shielded the trapped man from heat and flames, according to O'Connor, while a hose was produced and directed on the fire, extinguishing it.

It was a remarkable effort by Rideout, said Walsh.

After a crew from Truck 1 arrived, the firefighters worked together to release the man from beneath the vehicle. Then, they went to work trying to revive him. CPR was used while the Beverly Police and Northeast Regional Ambulance joined in the effort to save him.

"They thought they had a pulse," said Walsh.

But the man could not be revived and he was pronounced dead at the scene .

Lt. Rideout went to Beverly Hospital and was treated and released with minor burns and smoke inhalation.

The unhappy end of the rescue effort may also have an impact on the firefighters involved, said Walsh. "It can be stressful."

The crash is now under investigation by the State Police Accident Reconstruction team.

Copyright 2012 - The Salem News, Beverly, Mass.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service