A local 40-year-old man was pulled from a burning vehicle Thursday near the corner of Willow Creek Road and Jubilee Parkway in Campbell River.
Police said officers from BC Highway Patrol and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Campbell River were on patrol at about 9:30 p.m. when they came upon a sports car that had rolled over and caught fire.
Officers approached the vehicle and determined someone was still inside.
According to the RCMP, officers smashed open the sunroof and pulled an unconscious man from the vehicle, which became engulfed in flames shortly afterward.
The injured man was taken to Campbell River Hospital before being transferred to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital with severe injuries.
“This incident is a shocking reminder of the dangerous situations police officers can find themselves in every day,” said Insp. Jeff Preston. “The officers during this incident showed amazing calm and bravery under immense personal danger. I’d like to thank the officers, BC Ambulance and The Campbell River Fire Department for their quick action and dedication to our community.”
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the crash. Campbell River RCMP are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact police.
