Man at Memorial Day cookout saves woman's life after fiery crash in Reading

READING, Mass. — Police say a young man saved a woman's life after a medical episode of some kind caused a serious crash Monday.

The fiery crash in Reading took down a utility pole and knocked out power to a neighborhood for about 15 minutes, according to police.

Police say 25-year-old Brandon Finnen rushed toward the burning car and pulled the unconscious woman trapped inside to safety.

“It was definitely scary. My adrenaline was definitely pumping,” said Finnen.

He was at a friend's Memorial Day cookout nearby when he heard the crash, police said. The car door was locked so Finnen tried to punch the glass, but had to use a bat to break into the car and pull the woman to safety.

“I think everyone thinks I’m a hero, but I don’t really think I am,” said Finnen.

Salem Street was closed at Pearl Street after a telephone fell across the road, but police say the road will be reopened for the Tuesday morning commute.

Finnen said the woman's niece was also in the car at the time, but she appeared to be okay.

The woman is recovering at an area hospital.

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