A Navy Sailor was among the brave individuals who sprang into action when a car went up in flames at Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall over the weekend, as reported by ABC7.
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The Schaumburg police informed ABC News that they received a call regarding a vehicle fire on the upper level of the mall’s parking garage at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Saturday.
The incident was triggered when the driver experienced a medical emergency, leading to the car igniting.
Footage obtained by ABC7 captures the moment a bystander, undeterred by the danger, pulled the driver out of the burning vehicle. According to the police, the driver was subsequently taken to the hospital for medical care.
Among the heroes that day was Navy Sailor William Thompson, who played a crucial role in the rescue effort.
Thompson shared with ABC7 that he had recently completed his boot camp training, which likely equipped him with the skills needed for such a daring rescue.
“Instantly, its like my body moving on itself,” he said. “Its like everything the navy taught me, just instantly erupted inside of me.”
Thompson said he had some injuries from breaking the car window.
He also attributed to the other people who helped pulled the driver from the vehicle.
Schaumburg police say that driver suffered a medical emergency and went to the hospital.
Four other vehicles were damaged due to the car fire, Schaumburg police said.
ABC News contributed to this report.
