WATCH: Sailors save driver from burning vehicle after it crashed into gate

A team of quick-acting masters-at-arms helped save a driver from fiery injuries or worse last week at Naval Station Norfolk.

At about 3:15 a.m. Thursday, a car lost control and slammed into one of the barricades leading up to the installation’s gate 6, according to Navy officials.

Video from the crash obtained by Navy Times shows the car jammed awkwardly into the crash site and smoking ominously.

The smoke continues to billow as a watch team arrived on scene to prepare the gate for its 4 a.m. opening, according to Navy officials.

The video footage shows the smoke increasing and then the vehicle exploding into a full-on inferno.

This didn’t stop Master-at-Arms 2nd Class May Miles, who quickly pulled the driver from the vehicle and dragged the individual to a safe distance.

Another watch team member, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Ryan Blazer, approached the burning car and made sure no one else was inside.

RELATED

‘I have to help,’ says sailor who rescued migrants at sea

The Navy rescue swimmer immediately started running toward the shore in what would become the most dramatic rescue mission of his 17-year career.

The two petty officers and Master-at-Arms Seaman Gisselle Ochoa then provided aid to the motorist until first responders arrived.

The driver, whose identity was not released by Navy officials, was taken to Norfolk Sentara Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Navy.

Norfolk Police Department spokeswoman Noel Lipieko said police records showed no calls for service at that location, time and date, so it remains unclear whether the driver faced charges.

Capt. Vince Baker, Naval Station Norfolk’s commanding officer, praised the watch team in a statement for “putting themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of others.”

“They are a prime example of the quality Sailors in today’s Navy,” he said.

In Other News

Agreement helps military spouses keep federal jobs in overseas moves

Here's how an agreement between the Pentagon and State Department will help federally employed military spouses move their jobs overseas in a PCS.

Navy ship underway for Gaza pier mission suffers fire, returns to US

The cargo ship 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo suffered a fire in its engine room Thursday, forcing it to return to Florida, the Navy said.

VA to largely end animal testing on dogs, cats within two years

The Department of Veterans Affairs is slated to largely end testing on dogs, cats and nonhuman primates within the next two years.

Biden says uncle’s remains never found during WWII due to cannibals

While the claim contradicts the DPAA report about his uncle's fate, Biden's comments on cannibalism in the region during WWII are not far off.

USS Gunston Hall is back home after a four-month deployment

Gunston Hall returned to the states after taking part in NATO's biggest exercise in decades.

Load More