by Oak Brook, Illinois — Police officers in suburban Chicago are being hailed as heroes after crawling beneath a burning, overturned vehicle to rescue a trapped driver following a high-speed crash on Interstate 88 early Sunday morning. Authorities say the officers acted within seconds, putting their own lives at risk to save the motorist.
According to the Oak Brook Police Department, the dramatic rescue unfolded around 3:40 a.m. when an officer on routine patrol spotted a sedan traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 83 with no headlights activated.
Officer Spots Speeding Vehicle Before Crash
Police said the officer attempted to follow the vehicle as it exited onto eastbound I-88, but moments later encountered a serious crash scene. The sedan had rolled over, and the engine compartment was fully engulfed in flames.
The driver — the sole occupant of the vehicle — was still trapped inside as fire spread rapidly.
Officials said the situation quickly became life-threatening as flames intensified and smoke filled the area beneath the overturned car.
Officers Rush In as Flames Spread
Dashcam video released by police shows the officer and several responding Oak Brook officers immediately deploying fire extinguishers in an attempt to knock down the flames. Despite the danger, officers crawled underneath the overturned vehicle, navigating heat, smoke, and fire to reach the trapped driver.
Within moments, officers were able to pull the driver free and move them to safety away from the burning wreckage.
The vehicle continued to burn as emergency crews arrived on scene.
Minor Injuries Reported After Rescue
Authorities said the driver and two officers involved in the rescue suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation. All three were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and were later released.
Police confirmed that the crashed vehicle was the same sedan observed speeding on Route 83 shortly before the crash.
Illinois State Police Investigating Crash
The Illinois State Police are handling the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash, including speed and other contributing factors. No additional details about the driver’s condition or potential charges have been released.
Officials emphasized that the focus remains on the rescue effort and the quick actions taken by responding officers.
Police Chief Praises Officers’ Bravery
Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis praised the officers for their decisive and selfless response, saying there was no hesitation despite the obvious danger.
“There is no doubt that their actions saved this individual’s life,” Strockis said. “I am grateful that only minor injuries were sustained, and I could not be more proud of their bravery and professionalism.”
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Reminder of Risks First Responders Face
The incident highlights the daily dangers faced by first responders, especially during late-night crashes involving speed, fire, and overturned vehicles. Officials say the outcome could have been far worse had officers not acted immediately.
Police departments across the region echoed praise for the Oak Brook officers, calling the rescue a powerful example of duty, courage, and quick thinking under extreme pressure.
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