MARION COUNTY, Fla. – An off-duty firefighter is being praised as a hero after he saved a driver from a burning vehicle on I-75.
According to the Marion County Fire Rescue Facebook page, the department responded to a call about a vehicle fire on I-75 around 7 a.m. on Monday.
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“A car had veered off the road, struck a tree, and burst into flames,” Marion County Fire Rescue said. “Multiple 911 callers reported the driver was trapped inside the burning vehicle.”
Stephen Cabrera, an off-duty paramedic for MCFR, was on his way to work when he sprang into action, the agency recounted.
“Cabrera opened the vehicle’s door, cut the airbags and seatbelt, and pulled the driver to safety—away from the engulfing flames,“ MCFR said. ”He provided lifesaving care until Marion Oaks Station #24 firefighter-paramedics arrived."
Shortly after, a firetruck arrived at the scene and found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames.
“Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, while paramedics stabilized the patient and transported him to a local trauma hospital,” MCFR said.
“The decisive actions of Critical Care Paramedic Cabrera exemplify courage and dedication and undoubtedly saved a life today. Thank you for your selfless service!” the Facebook post read.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident.
