Cowlitz County Hero Rescues Children Trapped in Car After Tragic Crash

A harrowing car accident in Cowlitz County has highlighted both the dangers on our roads and the heroic actions of everyday citizens who step in during times of crisis. The incident occurred Sunday morning on North Pacific Avenue when a car carrying three passengers, including two young children, ran off the road and rolled multiple times, trapping the occupants inside.

Bystander Steps In to Save Young Lives

Danny Nye, a long-time resident of Kelso, was driving his usual route home when he came across an alarming scene. Turning a corner, he noticed a little girl standing on the roadside, frantically screaming for help. When he looked further, he saw a car overturned down an embankment with additional children trapped inside. Despite the risk, Nye wasted no time, running down the embankment to offer assistance.

“The car was pretty tippy,” Nye recounted. “I couldn’t climb on it, but I talked to the two-year-old inside and reassured him that I was there to help. I asked him to duck his head and get small, so I could reach in to get him out.” With his calming words and determination, he was able to remove the young child from the wreckage and carry him to safety.

Returning to assist the nine-year-old trapped in the car, Nye encountered more challenges. A piece of metal from the car’s roof was pinning the older boy down, preventing his escape. Desperate to help but unable to free the child on his own, Nye waited as first responders arrived.

The Complexity of the Rescue Effort

Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, along with crews from Longview Fire Department and Cowlitz County District 6, quickly arrived at the scene to take over the rescue efforts. According to Ryan Fisher, a firefighter and EMT with Cowlitz 2, the complexity of the wreck made this one of the most challenging rescues he’s experienced in his 26-year career.

Using hydraulic extrication tools, the firefighters carefully worked through multiple strategies, finally freeing both the boy and the car’s driver. Tragically, the driver did not survive and was pronounced dead at the scene. The nine-year-old was life-flighted to OHSU, where he is expected to recover. The younger child and another sibling were taken to PeaceHealth St. John’s Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries.

Secured Car Seats Saved Lives

Nye, reflecting on the incident, credited the children’s car seats for helping prevent further tragedy. The secure harnessing of the seats protected the children from the worst impact, possibly sparing them from severe injuries or worse.

"Seeing those kids and hearing their cries for help, you just want to do everything in your power to help them," Nye shared, visibly shaken by the experience. As a father of two, he empathized deeply with the children, grateful that he could be there for them but praying he never witnesses such an accident again.

What to Do After a Car Accident

In the unfortunate event of a car accident, taking the right steps is critical for safety and legal protection. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others for injuries. If it’s safe, move to a secure location to avoid additional harm.
2. Call for Help: Dial 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance if anyone is injured.
3. Collect Evidence: If able, document the scene with photos and exchange information with other parties involved.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries are not apparent, it’s essential to get evaluated by a medical professional.
5. Contact Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.
6. Reach Out for Legal Assistance: Protecting your rights and ensuring fair compensation can be challenging without proper legal guidance.

Need Help After an Accident? Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to seek the legal assistance you need. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that follow a serious crash, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us at Oshan & Associates at (206) 335-3880 to discuss your options and get the guidance you deserve.

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