THIS is the incredible moment a football star drags a driver out of his car before the flaming wreckage explodes.
Larry Pickett Jr, 20, was seen heroically carrying the injured motorist across the road after he crashed into a utility pole and downed sparking power lines.
Instagram / Larry Pickett, Sr.The incredible moment football star Larry Pickett Jr drags a driver out of his car before the flaming wreckage explodes[/caption]
The car erupted in a fireball just minutes after the heroic rescueInstagram / Larry Pickett, Sr.
Instagram / Larry Pickett, Sr.The car had crashed into a utility pole and downed sparking power lines and trees[/caption]
Instagram / Larry Pickett, Sr.Larry Pickett Jr, right, with his father Larry Pickett Sr who praised his son for his brave actions[/caption]
The Black Knights sophomore safety was travelling home from a family dinner in Fort Montgomery, New York when he witnessed a major crash.
A car was left smashed to pieces after a driver rammed into a pole which brought down several trees and electrical lines.
A fire quickly sparked with the male motorist trapped inside.
Pickett Jr heroically jumped out of his car on on Route 9W and rushed over to the man’s aide.
Dramatic footage shows the daring rescue as Pickett Jr and a second brave man run up to the car, fling open the driver’s door and start to yank at his belt to free him.
Fallen trees and live wires can be seen spread across the road with the car’s lights constantly flashing – creating a hectic scene.
The two men manage to haul the shaken driver, who appears to be limp at the time, out of the car.
One holds him by his feet as the other grabs his shirt and carries him across the road to safety.
Flames continue to engulf the car as the Pickett family call for help just after midnight on Sunday.
Minutes later, a huge fireball blast erupts leaving the crashed motor smoking.
Dozens of bystanders, including the family and the injured driver, watch on as the flames rise from the wreckage with sparks flying.
Fire and ambulance crews arrived at the scene of the crash a short time after.
They put a neck brace around the motorist who had blood stains on his t-shirt from the collison.
He was placed on a stretcher and taken to hospital.
Fire crews were seen spraying water at the burnt out car as they struggled to extinguish the towering flames.
Footage of the rescue was shared by proud dad Larry Pickett Sr as he posted it on social media.
He said: “Thank you Jesus that this man will live to see another day!
“I am so grateful for my son LJ for saving his life!
Instagram / Larry Pickett, Sr.The Army football player and another man were seen carrying the driver across the road to safety[/caption]
Instagram / Larry Pickett, Sr.The driver was placed on a stretcher and taken to hospital as his car continued to burn[/caption]
Instagram / Larry Pickett, Sr.The car caught on fire just after midnight on Sunday[/caption]
“Just after midnight, I watched in awe as my son, Larry Pickett Jr. ran toward a burning vehicle, ignoring the downed power lines crackling around it.
“With immense courage, he pulled a man to safety, saving him from a fiery fate.”
The condition of the driver is unknown by Pickett Sr said he believes his injuries aren’t serious.
Pickett Jr – the nephew of former Pittsburgh Steelers star and two-time Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor – is playing for the United States Military Academy this season.
The 6ft 1in, 195-pound safety made his Army debut on Friday against Tarleton State which they lost in double overtime.
His dad praised his tutors and the football training for contributing to the rescue mission.
Pickett Sr said about his son: “Not only is he making an impact in the classroom and on the football field at the United States Military Academy at West Point, but he’s also making a difference in his community!”
West Point also recognized the “heroic actions” as they praised the young cadet for “running towards danger to save lives”.
They described his actions as “the embodiment of the Army Values and Warrior Ethos”.
Away from football, Pickett Jr is known as an all-round gentlemen by all who know him.
He continues to volunteer as a youth ambassador at Raleigh’s Marbles Kids Museum and regularly travels with his parents to Mexico to help build homes for families in need.
Fort Montgomery Fire DepartmentAn Army football player was caught on video heroically pulling a man from a burning car in Upstate New York, after the driver slammed into a utility pole, causing power lines to spark around the wreck., , Black Knights sophomore safety Larry Pickett Jr. didnt hesitate when he saw a car engulfed in flames on […][/caption]
Instagram / Larry Pickett, Sr.Pickett Jr is playing for the United States Military Academy this season[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
