BROCKTON, Mass. — A video that has quickly gone viral shows brave members of the Brockton Fire Department pulling an elderly man out of a burning apartment moments before flames blocked the only exit.
Thousands of people shared video of firefighters ascending a ladder to the third floor apartment on Oak Street in order to get to the 82-year-old man, who was unable to escape the flames on his own.
“The building on top was in flames. Absolutely engulfed,” a witness told FOX25. “I saw an older man lying on the patio, motionless.”
“It was quick,” another witness told FOX25. “There was a fast response. It was good.”
The dramatic video shows two firefighters fighting through the flames to get to the man before it was too late.
One of the firefighters then placed the man onto the shoulder of another rescuer, who then lowered him safely to the ground.
The victim, who needed to be revived by first responders, suffered major burns on his body and he was taken to a hospital to be treated.
Deputy Fire Chief Charles Davis told FOX25 that three or four firefighters needed to be treated at the scene, including his son, Zachary Davis, who only became a firefighter within the past year.
Firefighter Zachary Davis is the one who carried the victim over his shoulder to safety as he was suffering burns to his face.
Deputy Fire Chief Charles Davis told Fox25 that his son will recover from his injuries.
When it came to fighting this fire, timing was everything. Officials said someone driving by spotted the flames and call 911. Luckily, Brockton’s ladder truck was nearby after returning from another call and was at the scene moments later.