The courageous actions of bystanders were captured on TeslaCam as they braved flames and small explosions to rescue a driver from a burning gas car on the side of a highway near St. Paul, Minnesota. The video shows a Tesla arriving at the scene where a gas SUV is engulfed in flames, with a single individual attempting to rescue the driver. More passersby soon join in the rescue effort despite the challenge posed by a guardrail preventing the doors from opening fully.
TeslaCam is a Dashcam feature that records a vehicle’s surroundings while driving, capturing notable events and incidents. Tesla’s autonomous car plans rely heavily on camera-based technology such as TeslaCam, as opposed to using sensors like LIDAR. In the video, the rescuers are seen struggling to open the doors of the burning car, with the guardrail flexing but not providing enough space for the driver to escape. A small explosion momentarily forces the rescuers back from the wreck, adding to the intensity of the situation.
Despite the obstacles faced during the rescue, including the guardrail and small explosions, the driver of the Tesla video manages to break the front window of the burning car with the help of a Minnesota Department of Transportation worker. This allows the driver to put his feet out through the opening and be pulled to safety by multiple rescuers. Fortunately, the driver is taken to the hospital with only minor injuries, and no other injuries are reported. The driver expresses gratitude to the “highway heroes” who selflessly stopped to help him, acknowledging that their quick actions saved his life.
The rescued driver attributes his survival to the Good Samaritans and first responders who risked their safety to pull him from the burning car. He recalls the terrifying experience of his car hitting a lamp post and guardrail, causing his airbag to deploy before the rescuers were able to free him. Reflecting on the incident, the driver draws inspiration from Fred Rogers’ words about looking for helpers in times of crisis, emphasizing the importance of community support and altruism in moments of need. Overall, the driver acknowledges the bravery and selflessness of those who intervened to save his life, expressing deep gratitude for their quick thinking and heroic efforts.
