UPDATED: Nelson man jumps into action, rescues driver from burning car
By The Nelson Daily Staff
A Nelson resident is being recommended for a Life Saving Award by RCMP following heroic actions Thursday morning west of Nelson.
RCMP said that quick action by Colby Weinrauch probably saved the life of the driver involved in the single vehicle collision on HWY 3A/6 near Taghum.
“The Nelson RCMP as well as the family of the injured driver would like to give a big THANK YOU! to Nelson resident Colby Weinrauch for his heroic actions today,” RCMP said in a media release Thursday.
“Colby’s quick thinking and action in the face of danger saved the life of the driver.”
RCMP received the call of the single vehicle collision on HWY 3A/6 at 6 a.m. Thursday.
RCMP said the vehicle had driven off the highway, overturned, and caught fire before a passerby stopped to assist and was able to heroically rescue the unconscious 20-year-old male Castlegar driver from the burning vehicle by breaking a window and dragging them from the flaming wreckage.
RCMP said the driver of the vehicle is currently reported to be in stable but serious condition.”
Nelson RCMP attended with assistance from KERPA (Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association), EHS and the Beasley Fire Department.
RCMP will be recommending Colby Weinrauch for the St. Johns Ambulance Life Saving Award as well as the BC Emergency Health Services Good Samaritan Award.
The Nelson RCMP requests that any witnesses to the collision contact the RCMP at 250-352-2156. The cause of the crash is still under investigation and investigators would like to speak to any potential witnesses.
First responder vehicles along with a tow truck slowed traffic on Highway 3A Thursday morning after a vehicle went over the bank and started on fire. — The Nelson Daily photo
Previous Story:
Vehicle goes over bank, starts on fire on Highway 3A/6.
A driver was taken to hospital early Thursday morning after a vehicle the person was in went over the bank on Highway 3A, approximately six kilometers west of Nelson.
Early accounts has the single occupant being pulled to safety by a passing motorist after a fire started in the vehicle.
Local fire departments along with police responded to the scene that tied up early morning traffic while first responders dealt with the fire.
Smoke from the fire could be seen settling in the valley.
