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LOGAN — Dozens of bystanders are being praised for their part in saving a motorcyclist's life in Logan Monday morning. A nearby camera captured them pulling the man out from under a burning car.
The accident happened just before noon on U.S. Highway 89 near the Utah State University campus. Police say BMW sedan pulled out from a parking lot, and an oncoming motorcycle was unable to stop.
"(The motorcyclist) saw what was taking place in front of him, laid the motorcycle down in an effort to keep from colliding with the vehicle," said Assistant Logan Police Chief Jeff Curtis.
The two collided, and both vehicles burst into flames. Police say 21-year-old Brandon Wright ended up pinned underneath the car.
"It was very hot. It was hot and very dangerous," said witness Anvar Abdumitalimovic Suyundikov. "I thought it was close to explode."
Suyundikov said he and several others, including students and construction workers, watched it unfold. They called for help, but had no time to wait for emergency workers to arrive. "If we wait, we could lose him," Suyundikov said.
Rather than stand by, the group gathered together, lifted the vehicle up, and pulled Wright to safety.
"It was a very tall fire," Suyundikov said. "When I lifted the car, it was very, very hot in there."
Looking at the charred wreckage afterward, police say the group may have saved Wright's life.
I'm impressed that that many people would get involved, especially where there's fire involved, the possibility of explosions and everything else.
–Jeff Curtis, Assistant Logan Police Chief
"I'm impressed that that many people would get involved, especially where there's fire involved, the possibility of explosions and everything else," Curtis said.
Still, Suyundikov says he and the several others did only what they had to. "I'm no hero," he said.
As emergency responders move in to help, Wright finally started to show signs of life. It's something that may not have been possible if the group of onlookers didn't step in and help.
"They're rescuers. They did a great job of getting him the help that he needed," Curtis said.
"I just was in the right moment to help him," Suyundikov said.
Wright, who suffered several broken bones in the accident, was transported to Intermountain Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition Monday evening.
The driver of the BMW suffered minor injuries.
Email: manderson@ksl.com
