Off-duty firefighter and his wife rescue driver trapped in burning car after crash in North Carolina

HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- An off-duty firefighter and his wife are being credited with rescuing two people from a burning vehicle after a crash.

Authorities said a small SUV traveling along Flynn-McPherson Road lost control, left the roadway, and crashed into trees, bursting into flames. The crash happened just after midnight on New Year's Day.

Crains Creek volunteer firefighter and full-time Spout Springs Emergency Service Firefighter Dylan Turney and his wife, Kiersten, were at home nearby when they heard a loud boom.

"I looked out across the intersection and saw the taillights of a car and then a fireball coming from it," Turney said.

The couple ran toward the crash as the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Photos from the scene show fire consuming the SUV within moments of impact.

"The car was pretty engulfed in fire," Turney said.

Kiersten ended up calling 911.

The passenger was able to escape the vehicle, but the driver was trapped inside. Without firefighting gear or protective equipment, Dylan rushed into the flames to pull the driver free.

"I ended up grabbing onto him and pulling him the rest of the way out," he said.

Kiersten said the situation was terrifying. "Your heart pretty much drops a little bit with worry and concern," she said.

The driver and the passenger were transported to a trauma center. Their conditions have not been released.

Despite being hailed as heroes, the Turneys say it was the right thing to do.

"I do it not for myself, but for other people," Dylan Turney said. "It's kind of hard to take pride in being the hero. That's just what I do, and it makes me feel good to be able to give back."

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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