Trooper, Passersby Pull Trapped Man from Burning Jeep
A state trooper, with the assistance of three Good Samaritans, pulled a trapped driver out of this Jeep Cherokee in Swansea early this morning, moments before the sport utility vehicle became engulfed in flames. MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE PHOTO
At 12:58 a.m. today, Massachusetts State Trooper Allyson Powell, who is assigned to the Dartmouth Barracks, observed an overturned and burning Jeep Grand Cherokee off the side of Route 195 eastbound in Swansea. The Jeep's injured driver was wearing a seatbelt and was trapped inside the vehicle.
Trooper Powell immediately began working to extricate the trapped man. She was quickly joined in the rescue effort by two men and a woman, all of whom who had been driving by and stopped to help. Trooper Powell cut the seat belt and pulled the driver out of the Jeep just before it became fully engulfed in flames.
The driver, MICHAEL CANTY, 23, of Mattapoisett, was transported by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence with serious injuries. CANTY was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, operating to endanger and speeding, and will be summonsed to court.
Trooper Powell sustained minor injuries and was treated at Charlton Hospital.
No further information is available at this time.
The driver of this Jeep Cherokee was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries. State Police have charged him with operating under the influence. MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE PHOTO