OAK BROOK, Ill. — Oak Brook police officers rescued a trapped motorist from a burning, overturned vehicle early Dec. 21 after encountering the crash while on patrol, authorities said.

At approximately 3:38 a.m., an Oak Brook Police Department officer was traveling northbound on Route 83 near 31st Street when a sedan passed at a high rate of speed without exterior or interior lights activated. The officer followed the vehicle as it exited onto eastbound Interstate 88.

Moments later, the officer came upon a crashed vehicle on I-88 that had rolled over and was fully engulfed in flames in the engine compartment. The vehicle’s sole occupant was trapped inside.

The officer, along with additional responding Oak Brook officers, immediately deployed fire extinguishers to suppress the flames while working to free the occupant. Officers crawled underneath the overturned vehicle and successfully extricated the individual.

The rescued driver and two officers sustained minor injuries, including smoke inhalation. All were transported to a local hospital, treated, and later released.

Police later confirmed the crashed vehicle was the same sedan observed speeding on Route 83. The Illinois State Police are conducting the ongoing crash investigation.

Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis praised the officers’ actions, saying their quick response and willingness to place themselves in danger saved the driver’s life.

Source: Oak Brook Police Department