Bystanders rush to free ‘hero’ firefighter pinned under an SUV in NYC

Firefighters face a myriad of risks in performing their duties, to include the possibility of having vehicles roll over on them as one FDNY fireman learned the hard way.

Firefighter Ryan Warnock was working the scene of an accident in Manhattan that resulted in a black BMW SUV on top of a white Volvo sedan, trying to rescue someone inside the SUV tipped heavily to one side. Suddenly, with Warnock halfway inside, the vehicle lurched forward and then rolled onto its side trapping the fireman.

The frightful development was captured on video and bystanders could be heard screaming out in horror.

But that’s not all the bystanders did. Many of them rushed to the vehicle to help other rescue workers on the scene lift the vehicle off Warnock, so he could escape. The fireman can be seen rushing from under the SUV, limping badly.

Turns out, Warnock suffered a broken leg, but it could have been far worse if not for the actions of those on the scene.

“As members from Rescue 1 tried to brace and stabilize the car on top and remove the occupants inside, the driver of one of the vehicles hit the gas and caused a car to fall and pin firefighter Ryan Warnock below,” Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said in a statement.

“All we could do is everyone that was standing around, we went, we pushed the BMW up the best that we could, and thank God the firefighter came out in one piece,” eyewitness Ben Arias said, according to Fox News. “And even with a broken leg, he was able to pull the driver out of the car.”

Warnock was taken to Bellevue Hospital in serious but stable condition for leg injuries.

“Every day, members of our great Department put their lives on the line to protect the residents of our great city. We are grateful for the quick response of our members, whose fast reactions helped remove firefighter Warnock quickly and ensured he got the medical attention he needed,” Kavanagh said.

Tom Tillison

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