N.H. trooper praised for rescue of man from burning vehicle in Andover
A New Hampshire state trooper will be nominated for a life-saving award for rescuing a driver from a wrecked vehicle Sunday night moments before it was engulfed in flames, New Hampshire State Police said.
“There’s always a decision that has to be made when it comes to putting yourself in harm’s way,’’ said New Hampshire State Police Captain John LeLacheur. “He made that decision and thankfully everyone’s going to be all right.’’
Trooper Scott Frye was headed north on Interstate 93 near Exit 44 in Andover, driving New Hampshire Governor John Lynch and his wife. At about 6:45 p.m., they saw a 2003 Dodge Durango hurtle over the guardrail, roll down an embankment, and go about 20 feet into the shrubs and trees before it stopped and caught fire.
As the governor called 911, Frye and an off-duty Manchester, N.H., firefighter, whose name has not been released, worked to free the 61-year-old Methuen man from the vehicle.
The driver’s legs were caught under the dashboard. Frye jumped into the burning vehicle through the windshield to move the driver’s seat back, freeing the man’s legs. Seconds after the trooper and firefighter removed the driver, police said, the vehicle became engulfed in flames.
“Trooper Frye demonstrated tremendous courage and bravery, putting himself in danger so that he could rescue the driver from that burning vehicle. I commend Scott for his heroic, life-saving actions,’’ Governor Lynch told WMUR-TV.
The man, identified as Steven R. Marques, was taken to Lawrence General Hospital, said Massachusetts State Police spokesman David Procopio.
Massachusetts State Police said in a statement that the Durango tried to pass to the left of a BMW traveling in the center lane, clipped the BMW, and lost control.
Marques was issued a warning for a marked lane violation. State Police say additional charges may be filed.
LeLacheur said that the Durango and a red Ford pickup truck sped past Frye’s cruiser and appeared to be “fighting for a lane,’’ when the Durango lost control. The pickup did not stop when the crash occurred and police are looking for the driver. He did not mention the BMW in his account.
Frye was treated and released at Southern New Hampshire Hospital for smoke and chemical inhalation injuries as well as minor cuts and scrapes. The governor and his wife were uninjured.
Massachusetts State Police are investigating the accident and potential charges, said Procopio.
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