Good Samaritan saves woman from burning car

By Steve Stoler at WFAA News, Dallas
A 22-year-old Good Samaritan is being hailed as a hero after risking his own life to save a woman in a burning car. The woman crashed on LBJ Freeway at Abrams Road Monday morning. The car rolled over, came to a stop on a concrete embankment and burst into flames.

Addissue Andabo works as a mechanic at a Plano auto repair shop. His co-workers say they’re not surprised at all by his brave and selfless actions.

“I saw a car just turn over and caught on fire,” Andabo saud. He put his car in park, left the keys in the ignition and ran to help.

“I tried to open the door and started communicating with her. ‘Ma’am, we’re going to get you out of here,’” he said.

As the engine burned, Andabo began tearing at the broken windshield with his bare hands, leaving him cut. With the help of a Dallas police officer, he pulled the woman driver out to safety.

“I saw my mother over there. If my mother was trapped over there, I would do anything to get her out — risk my life, anything,” Andabo said.

Dallas Fire-Rescue officials say because of Andabo’s selfless actions, a woman’s life was saved. But they urge civilians to in similar situations to call 911, and not try to play hero. They said the end result could have been tragic for both the driver and her rescuer.

“If I called 911 and took my time over there watching her burn, it would not be a good situation,” Andabo said.

But it was a good situation. The woman was being treated at Baylor University Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.

“I’m proud of myself,” said Andabo.