Man rescued from burning vehicle by Virginia State Police trooper, citizens after crash on I-295 in Henrico

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A man was rescued from a burning vehicle by a Virginia State Police trooper and citizens on Friday after a crash on Interstate 295 in Henrico.

According to Virginia State Police, Trooper B. Mills responded to a single vehicle crash at 5:41 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, near the 47.5-mile marker, near Mill Road, in Henrico.

Officials said a 2015 Nissan Altima was traveling south on I-295 when it ran off the left side of the road and hit a tree in the median. The vehicle then caught fire while the driver was still inside.

Trooper Mills, alongside several passing motorists, helped keep the flames under control and provided aid until Henrico Fire and EMS got to the scene.

Through the use of fire extinguishers and water tanks, citizens were able to suppress the fire for long enough that Mills could get into the vehicle through a rear door and help the driver, authorities said.

An off-duty nurse also helped at the scene by maintaining the airway of the driver until EMS arrived.

The driver was eventually rescued from the vehicle by first responders and taken to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries, according to authorities.

The status of his current condition is unknown, state police said.

The initial investigation suggests that the driver was either experiencing a medical emergency or fell asleep in the moments leading up to him leaving the roadway.

Officials said that there were no signs of braking prior to the vehicle leaving the pavement, and medication that could be used for seizure treatment was found inside the vehicle.

Virginia State Police extended their thanks to two citizens by name, Benjamin R. Footer, who supplied water to suppress the flames, and Duke White Jr., who used his bare hands to break the vehicle’s windows to give the driver air.

The crash is still under investigation.