Good Samaritans helped first responders in Tampa, Florida, rescue an 80-year-old woman and her three-year-old great-granddaughter, both of whom were pinned under a car on Sunday.
The accident took place in the parking lot of the Arbor Ponds Apartment Complex, where a 23-year-old driver struck the victims as he was backing out of the parking lot, according to a statement posted to the Tampa city website (RELATED: ‘My Son Is My Hero’: Video Shows 15-Year-Old Lifting Truck Off Of Father)
‼️ＭＵＳＴ ＷＡＴＣＨ‼️: Had it not been for the quick actions of Cpl. Baker, good Samaritans and @TampaFireRescue firefighters, a grandmother and a young child may not have made it out of this accident alive!
LEARN MORE: https://t.co/0A58kLyV2Q pic.twitter.com/K37kEUt6an— Tampa Police Department (@TampaPD) December 20, 2022
The driver said he did not see the woman pushing her great-granddaughter in a stroller as he was backing out, according to the report.
While backing out, the driver said he felt a bump, but thought it was a large storm drain before realizing he had struck two people, the report read.
Before first responders arrived, bystanders used a hydraulic jack to lift the vehicle slightly off the ground, according to the statement.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m., the Tampa Police Department received a call about the accident. Corporal Lance Baker arrived at the scene to find the victims pinned beneath the vehicle, according to the report.
Corporal Baker was able to pull the woman to safety while firefighters cut the girl from the stroller, saving her as well, the statement said reported.
Both victims received medical attention at the scene and were taken to a local hospital for further treatment. The woman is listed as being in critical condition while the girl is in stable condition, the report read.
“We are proud of Cpl. Baker’s quick actions and calmness under pressure while helping this family. This is a shining example of the work Tampa Police officers do everyday to protect and serve their community, not knowing if they’ll be called upon to save a life or put their own life on the line at any given call for service,” said Interim Chief of Police Lee Bercaw. “We are thankful for the good Samaritans and Tampa firefighters who also jumped into action to help make sure this grandmother and young child will get a chance to see another Christmas this week with their family.”