A Washington sheriff’s deputy and a quick-thinking Good Samaritan are being praised after rescuing a postal carrier from a burning mail truck following a serious collision earlier this month.
What Happened
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on January 8 at around 12:10 p.m. near Park Avenue South and 106th Street South in Parkland.
Deputies were dispatched after reports came in that a mail truck had caught fire following a collision with a sedan.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Dramatic Rescue
The sheriff’s office later released body-worn camera video showing the intense moments after the crash:
- The first deputy on scene found the mail truck engulfed in flames and thick smoke
- The postal driver was seriously injured and trapped in immediate danger
- The deputy pulled the driver away from the burning vehicle
- A female bystander stopped to help, assisting the deputy as they attempted to control the fire
“Thank you to the female bystander who stopped to help and to Central Pierce Fire for all your great work,” the sheriff’s office said.
Injuries and Emergency Response
- The mail truck driver was taken to a local hospital in serious condition
- A backseat passenger in the sedan was also hospitalized in serious condition
- Central Pierce Fire crews arrived shortly after and successfully extinguished the fire
Investigation Ongoing
Officials have not yet shared a possible cause of the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Community Heroism
The sheriff’s office highlighted the courage and teamwork shown by both the deputy and the civilian who stepped in without hesitation—actions that likely saved a life.
