Good Samaritans, Local Emergency Services Respond to Car Crash in Lone Pine

Good Samaritans, Local Emergency Services Respond to Car Crash in Lone Pine

Life is so very precious, and it can change in the blink of an eye. How many times in our lives have we narrowly missed a collision, or almost ran a stop sign, or had a car speed by while we’re walking through town (flatlanders racing through Big Pine, I’m looking at you)? My point is, our whole world can change in the blink of an eye, and that is exactly what happened to a young man driving through Lone Pine yesterday.

As he made his way toward the south edge of town, he veered off the road, smashing through a fence and coming to a stop, mangled and smoking.

Several bystanders drove by, some reducing their speed and videotaping the crash, while two Good Samaritans, Carlos Constantino and Melody Riley, stopped their car and rushed to the wreckage. There they found the driver dazed and confused. The wooden planks of the fence had smashed through the windshield with one splintered beam stopping just inches from his chest.

Carlos opened the door and helped dragged him to safety. Minutes later, the smoking car was engulfed in flames. Lone Pine Fire Department arrived shortly after the rescue. Flames were already roaring through the engine block and cab when firefighters began extinguishing the blaze. Though the car was a total loss, they managed to contain the fire quickly and prevent it from spreading to nearby brush or structures. Police were also on the scene in minutes. Kudos to our first responders.

In the end, it seems to be sheer luck that saved the driver. That, and the quick thinking and action of two strangers who didn’t hesitate when others did. As plumes of smoke rose from the wreckage, they made the fast choice to choose action over apathy. What could have been a tragedy for a man and his family turned into a powerful reminder that in the darkest of moments, ordinary people can become heroes.

TM Rush