Motorist rescued from burning car
A driver reportedly speeding on the 118 Freeway slammed into a concrete center divider but survived when two off-duty police officers and several passersby pulled him from the burning vehicle.
Zachary Casas, 38, was traveling well-above the speed limit Saturday about 6:15 p.m. when he lost control of his car near Zelzah Avenue, police said. The vehicle burst into flames after flipping into the air and landing upside-down on top of a pickup. The other driver was not hurt in the accident.
The off-duty police officers and the passersby rushed to the burning car and got Casas out.
“If it wasn’t for their quick response and thinking, he would have died,” said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Mike Lopez.
Lopez said Casas’ role in the accident has not yet been determined, but that charges could follow.
Casas is recovering from injuries, Lopez said.
-- Ari B. Bloomekatz
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