Texas Trooper Risks Life to Pull Trapped Motorist From Burning Car

A Texas trooper raced against time to pull a trapped motorist from a burning car, and the dramatic rescue was captured on camera. 🌐 #News #PlanoTX #Texas #Rescue

PLANO, TX – In an intense and life-saving moment, a Texas trooper risked everything to save a driver trapped in a burning vehicle earlier this month. Video footage released by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) shows Trooper Cody Durham rushing to the scene and pulling the motorist to safety as flames engulfed the car. The heroic act unfolded in the early hours of January 9 and has drawn attention to the bravery and quick thinking of first responders in the face of danger.

A Routine Patrol Turns Into a Race Against Time

Shortly after 2:20 a.m. on January 9, Trooper Cody Durham was patrolling southbound on the Dallas Tollway near Spring Creek Parkway in Plano when he noticed smoke rising from a crash on the northbound side of the highway. Acting immediately, Durham exited and turned around to reach the scene.

“I took the nearest exit possible and turned around and got there as quick as I could, and by the time I arrived the vehicle had caught on fire,” Durham recalled in a video released by DPS.

Footage from Durham’s body-camera and dashboard camera captured the tense rescue as the situation rapidly escalated.

A Desperate Plea for Help

As Durham approached the fiery wreckage, the trapped motorist’s voice could be heard calling out, “Help me.”

“I’m trying,” Durham responded urgently. “Are you hurt at all?”

The video shows Durham struggling to pull the motorist free as flames continued to grow. The officer’s determination never wavered as he fought to save the man’s life.

“I believe once I started pulling him that that was going to be the only way to get him out, and so I just kept pulling and pulling until we were out of the car,” Durham said afterward.

Team Effort Saves a Life

Initially alone at the scene, Durham pulled the motorist as far away from the burning vehicle as possible, positioning him closer to the shoulder of the highway.

“Initially when it was just me there, I tried to pull him back as far away from the vehicle as possible and to get as close to the shoulder, put him in a position where we could carry him,” he explained.

Once additional responders arrived, the video shows Durham and others carrying the man to a safer location. Plano EMS transported the motorist to Medical City Plano for treatment, while the Plano Fire Department extinguished the flames.

Durham was also transported to Plano Presbyterian Hospital, where he was treated for smoke inhalation and later released.

Recognition for Heroic Actions

DPS North Texas Regional Director Jeremy Sherrod praised Durham for his bravery and quick action.

“Trooper Durham courageously intervened to save a life, demonstrating the true essence of our commitment to the safety of Texans,” Sherrod said in a statement.

“His quick thinking and selfless action not only averted tragedy but also reaffirmed our belief in the profound impact that dedicated law enforcement officers have on the lives of those they serve.”

Durham’s heroic actions serve as a powerful example of the risks officers take daily to protect and serve their communities. Thank God for folks like Trooper Durham.

RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Texas