CROCKETT, Texas — Deputies with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office rescued a man pinned inside a burning vehicle after a major crash Wednesday on State Highway 21 West, officials said.

Sheriff Zak Benge said deputies responded Aug. 20 to a two-vehicle wreck outside Crockett and found one occupant trapped inside a vehicle that had caught fire. Deputies, bystanders and other agencies worked together to free the man while extinguishing the flames.

Deputies used three fire extinguishers during the rescue and provided first aid to both victims of the crash. Benge credited the department’s decision to equip every patrol vehicle with fire extinguishers, noting the equipment likely saved the victim’s life.

“I would like to commend the officers on scene for their ability to act and remain calm during this very stressful situation,” Benge said in a statement. “These officers didn’t hesitate to act and get the victim to medical intervention.”

Source: Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Crockett, Texas