2 off-duty firefighters from MA, NH praised for pulling woman from burning car before it explodes

EAST KINGSTON, N.H. — Two off-duty firefighters from Massachusetts and New Hampshire are being lauded for pulling a woman from a burning car before it exploded and after the vehicle crashed on East Road.

Josh Abbott, a firefighter from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and East Kingston Firefighter Robert Bishop, were both off duty when they came across a serious crash on East Road near the Apple Hill Golf Course around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, East Kingston Fire Chief Ed Warren said in a statement Monday.

Bishop, who had been driving home at the time, had nearly been struck head-on by a Dodge Challenger, which then struck a utility pole and burst into flames, Warren said.

Bishop “immediately exited his vehicle and ran to assist the female driver of the Challenger,” Warren said.

Abbott, who was just passing by, stopped to help Bishop at the scene.

The two off-duty firefighters worked quickly to free the woman from inside the car, which was burning and filling with smoke, Warren said.

“They successfully removed her from the car shortly before it exploded and became fully engulfed,” Warren said.

“The heroic actions by Firefighters Bishop and Abbott no doubt saved this person’s life,” Warren said. “This incident showcases the commitment all firefighters and first responders make to come to the aid of those in need, no matter what, and I want to thank them both for their quick and selfless actions.”

The woman was taken by ambulance to an area hospital with serious injuries, Warren said. She was last reported to be in stable condition.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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