By Jeff Goldman
nj.com
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. — Three Ridgefield Park police officers rescued a driver after the man’s car experienced an electrical issue and burst into flames early Saturday, officials said.
Body camera footage from one of the officers released by Ridgefield Park police shows the officers dragging the 55-year-old Fort Lee man out of the passenger’s side front window of the burning vehicle on Winant Avenue.
“Battling intense heat, broken glass and a host of physical barriers, the three officers were able to physically remove (the driver) as flames began to take over the cabin of the vehicle,” police said in a statement.
The dramatic rescue began to unfold at about 2 a.m. when the first officer to arrive – Sgt. Nicholas Triano – attempted to use a Halligan bar, a tool used by first responders, to force his way into the vehicle, Ridgefield Park police said.
Moments later officers Anthony D’Elia and Nicholas D’Alto showed up and began to pull the motorist out a window as the fire quickly spread.
Ridgefield Park firefighters arrived to put out the fire. The driver was treated at the scene and released to a family member. A passing motorist also stopped to assist police, officials said.
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