reported that the accident happened recently in Dania Beach, Florida.
Surveillance footage showed what happened once the Jaguar SUV hit the concrete light pole. About 20 seconds into the crash, the car went up in flames. The passengers were stuck inside.
It took about 60 seconds before a driver pulled up beside the crash and tried to help.
Chaos. Fire. The scene was like a car crash from the movies, except worse—this danger was real.
It was not easy to assist the trapped passengers. Eventually, someone got a step ladder to try and break a window, but it wasn’t working.
Finally, another good Samaritan grabbed the ladder and broke the back window, managing to open the door.
The man saved the 20-year-old woman and the 6-year-old girl. He pulled them to safety.
Someone else nearby used a fire extinguisher on the flames, but it wasn’t enough for them to reach the other victim still trapped inside.
When the first responders arrived, it was too late for the man in the Jaguar.
The woman and the little girl were understandably devastated. They were rushed to the hospital as soon as possible.
In this case, the surviving victims suffered from severe burns and broken bones.
The good Samaritan who pulled the woman and the child out was also deeply affected when speaking to the Local 10 reporter off-camera.
He was "extremely shaken" and "very upset by the fact that they were unable to pull everyone to safety."
Overcoming the ‘Bystander Effect’ to be a good Samaritan
The bystander effect might sound ridiculous, but it is real and very powerful.
It’s a social psychology phenomenon that occurs when something horrible is happening. When knowing others are present, individuals are less likely to help.
Factors like diffusion of responsibility and worries of legal repercussions all lead to one thing: bystanders frozen, unable to help.
That’s why it’s very fortunate whenever a good Samaritan can manage to beat that bystander apathy and give a helping hand.
How to deal with a car accident
MORE: Victim of Horrific Car Crash Was Lucky To Have a Rock-Solid Insurance Policy
When a car accident happens, even if there’s no visible injury, it’s crucial to get a doctor’s checkup.
This is because harm such as smoke inhalation, burn infections, and internal bleeding might not seem like obvious problems. However, they can lead to possibly lethal results.
Mentally, car accidents can also be highly traumatic. They can come with injury, potential disabilities, and even death.
And in some cases, even if a party in a car crash walks away unscathed, it can still be a terrible experience.
Self-compassion and time are ways to deal with being involved in a car crash (or even just witnessing one).
If you’ve been having ill side-effects following a car crash, it can be beneficial to talk to someone, be it a professional or a close friend.
A car crash can also be a financial disaster. If you’re worried about whether you have enough coverage,
Jerry knows that insurance can be a pain. Especially if you’re worried about other things like health, injuries, and liability? Insurance is a huge headache.
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