In a tragic incident in Encino, California, newly released body cam footage from the Los Angeles Police Department reveals the harrowing moments as officers rescued two teenagers from a car wreck moments before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, a third teen was unable to be saved and perished in the fire.
The accident occurred on the evening of February 20 near the corner of Ventura and Balboa Boulevards when a Toyota Camry, operated by a 14-year-old unlicensed driver, collided with a traffic signal pole. Video from the scene displays LAPD officers frantically working to shatter the car’s window and extract the two teenagers in the front seats to safety.
One of the rescued teens informed the officers of another passenger trapped in the backseat under the driver’s seat. Tragically, the rapid spread of the fire prevented the 16-year-old girl from being saved, and she died at the crash site. The identity of the deceased has been withheld.
An eyewitness at the scene, Howard Raishbrook, recounted the dire situation as flames overtook the car, thwarting rescue attempts. “It was so intense at that point, it took over the whole car in what felt like seconds,” Raishbrook stated, expressing the profound heartbreak felt in witnessing such a devastating event.
Source: NBC Southern California