Bystanders Credited for Pulling Woman from Burning Vehicle following crash on U.S. East
BEDFORD - FEBRUARY 27, 2023 - One man was transported to University of Louisville Hospital by helicopter following a fiery head on collision on U.S. 50 East near Boyd Lane.
Photo: Courtesy photo sent to the Lawrence County Zephyr
The accident reported at 12:34 pm Sunday afternoon.
Michael Langley who was at the gas station near the accident; helped pulled a female from her vehicle, the vehicle the female driver was in; caught fire during the crash.
The bystanders used blankets to help carry the female to area safe from the fire.
According to Langley he suffered burns to his hands following while performing the rescue. Another bystander helped Langley pull him to safety.
Reports that if the bystanders did not intervene the accident victim would have died.
Fire extinguishers were used to keep the fire under control until firefighters from the Shawswick Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the scene.
The victim's mother expressed her gratitude for saving her son.
" I want to thank everyone involved in helping to get my son out of the accident. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel. You all saved my son's life and I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you,"
According to his mother he has multiple injuries and in serious but stable condition.
Information provided by Lawrence County Sheriff Greg Day, Ryan Neff (39 years old of Jeffersonville) was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Impala eastbound on US 50, near Boyd Lane. Josie Young (18 years old of Williams) was driving a 2010 Jeep Commander westbound on US 50. The Chevrolet crossed the centerline into the westbound lane. The driver of the Jeep tried to swerve, but was unable to avoid a collision. The Chevrolet struck the Jeep head-on. The impact resulted in both vehicles catching on fire. Both Neff and Young were removed from their vehicles from other motorists who had stopped to assist.
Both drivers suffered severe injuries, including fractured bones. Neff was airlifted to Louisville for treatment of his injuries. Young was transported to the hospital for treatment of her injuries.
The man was transported from the scene by IU Lifeline ground ambulance to Bedford North Lawrence High School landing zone to meet with Stat Flight air ambulance. The driver of the other vehicle was transported by IU Lifeline ground ambulance to IU Bloomington Hospital for her injuries.
The highway was closed for at Stars Boulevard and Boyd Lane while the accident was being investigated by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department. Traffic was being diverted onto Stars Blvd.
At this time an accident report is not available. Lawrence County Zephyr has reached out to Lawrence County Sheriff Greg Day and is waiting on a response.
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