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WATCH: Florida police rescue unconscious driver moments before car goes up in flames

WATCH: Florida police rescue unconscious driver moments before car goes up in flames

The Hill09-07-2025
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Police officers in Florida rescued a woman after a three-car crash right before her vehicle went up in flames, according to recent body camera video.
The crash happened in the early morning hours of June 30 at the SR 45 and SR 683 split, according to the Sarasota Police Department.
Officers who were across the street assisting with an unrelated call heard the crash and immediately ran over to help.
The video shows the moment officers realized one of the vehicles was on fire and that the driver was still trapped inside.
One officer could be overheard shouting, 'The vehicle's on fire!'
An officer yanked the driver's side door open and used a knife to slice off the woman's seatbelt.
Officers then pulled the unconscious driver to safety, shouting, 'Go, go, go,' as they dashed to the sidewalk.
The vehicle became engulfed in flames only moments later.
'Their swift and selfless actions saved a life,' the police department wrote in a social media post. 'A job well done by these officers who continue to serve with courage, commitment, and dedication to protecting others. '
As of Tuesday, the three-car crash remained under investigation.
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