Tow Truck Driver Rushed to Scene of Fiery Accident in Sub-Zero Temps to Save Couple: 'Heroic'

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:NBC 26/Youtube; City of Neenah, Wisconsin Police Department Facebook

NBC 26/Youtube; City of Neenah, Wisconsin Police Department Facebook

A Wisconsin tow truck driver is being hailed a hero after he braved sub-zero temperatures to rescue a husband and wife following a fiery car crash.

“I happened to see a car laid out on its side and a lady screaming for help,” Ater, 30, told WGBA.

After Ater rushed back into his apartment to call 911, he emerged with a fire extinguisher to help put out the fire that started after the car came to a rest, according to the report.

According to the Neenah Police Department, the vehicle had been traveling southbound on Gillingham Road when it left the roadway, struck a fire hydrant, turned down an embankment, and then struck a tree before spinning “violently” and landing on its passenger side.

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Police said once first responders arrived, Ater worked with a Winnebago County sheriff’s deputy to climb on top of the car and help the driver out — all the while, the engine’s compartment reignited and quickly became engulfed in flames.

Neenah Menasha Fire Rescue helped to extinguish the fire, and the couple was eventually saved and transported to a local hospital.

The woman was released from the facility, while her husband was still being treated, the outlets reported.

“If I hadn’t acted, I don’t think the husband would have made it,” Ater said. “I think he would have died.”

Neenah police agreed, calling the man a “heroic citizen.”

“A VERY SPECIAL ‘Thank you!’ to the courageous Neenah resident who rushed to help," the department said.

source: people.com