Marine and Deputies Rescue Driver from Fiery Crash on Highway 17
A U.S. Marine and two Bertie County Sheriff’s Office deputies rescued a driver from a vehicle fire on Highway 17 near Wakelon Road on October 27 at approximately 8 p.m.
According to officials, Lt. J. Parker and Deputy E. Topliss were en route to a call in Merry Hill when they came across the collision. Authorities reported that the driver had been ejected from the vehicle, which was engulfed in flames.
Witnesses stated that the Marine arrived at the scene simultaneously with the deputies and assisted in pulling the unconscious driver to safety. Once outdoors, the Marine utilized a first aid kit to administer aid until Bertie County EMS arrived. The driver was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the incident.
Authorities delayed the announcement to properly identify the Marine, commending his actions that went beyond duty. Plans are underway to publicly honor both the Marine and the deputies for their life-saving efforts.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into the crash, assisted by Bertie County EMS, Windsor Fire Department, and the Bertie County Communications Center. No further details regarding the conditions of the driver or specifics about the vehicle have been released at this time.