The lives of two car crash victims were saved just in time thanks to the quick thinking of two Pennsylvania Turnpike workers, writes Christie Ileto for 6abc.
Turnpike workers Ralph Valenteen and Lucy Calancea were working at the Devault Maintenance Shed in Malvern before a February snowstorm. Valenteen was working inside the shed and Calancea was loading road salt when the duo heard a loud bang.
Investigating the scene, the turnpike workers saw that two women had crashed into a nearby tree. With flames from the accident quickly spreading, they immediately sprang into action.
The two worked together to lift the victims from the car and move them to a safe location. Other drivers had also pulled over to help remove the second woman from the car.
After the bystanders successfully pulled the women away, their car exploded seconds later.
The two turnpike workers then waited with the victims until EMS arrived. Officials have since stated that while the cause of the crash remains unknown, the impact could have been far worse had Valenteen and Calancea not stepped in.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike later thanked the two workers for their in a statement shared to social media. About whether or not they had any hesistation about running toward the burning vehicle to save the two strangers, Valenteen said, “To be honest, I don’t even think about it. I just go for it. You jump into action because of people’s lives.”
Read more about the recent lifesaving efforts of two Pennsylvania Turnpike workers in 6abc.
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