ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A good Samaritan is being credited by first responders for saving four lives from two burning vehicles that crashed during a head-on collision on Narcoossee Road in Orange County right before Christmas.
Stuart Chaffin was behind a Mercury that crossed over the median and collided with a maintenance truck near Emerson Lake Boulevard.
The former law enforcement officer didn’t hesitate to jump in to pull out the victims, some of whom were on fire.
“He was telling me, ‘Get me out, get me out. Don’t let me burn,’” Chaffin said. “I put him on the ground, started rolling him out, trying to put out the flames.”
Pictures show the third-degree burns Chaffin got in the process.
He says his recovery will be long and expensive.
John Kristcih, the driver Florida Highway Patrol troopers said caused the crash, was uninsured and Chaffin will be left with the mounting medical bills.
“Right now it’s going to be all out-of-pocket expenses and we’re trying to do the best we can,” Chaffin said.
Chaffin’s wife, who carried their health insurance, was laid off from her job.
He said despite the pain and the bills, he would do it all over again if he had to.
“That’s not heroic, that’s someone stepping in and respecting life. I think I’m nothing more than an advocate for life,” Chaffin said.
Kristcih has a series of driving violations, including a DUI in June that ended with a suspended license.
Following the fiery crash, he was slapped with three violations.
FHP said they’re still investigating and criminal charges are pending. They are working to see if the charges rise to the level of vehicular homicide.