Good Samaritans lift car to free woman trapped underneath after e-bike crash in Pennsylvania
PROSPECT PARK, Pa. -- A 44-year-old woman was hospitalized after becoming trapped beneath a Volkswagen Beetle following a crash involving her e-bike Monday morning in Pennsylvania, according to police.
Police said the woman crashed into the Beetle and became pinned underneath the vehicle. As she screamed for help, neighbors and nearby workers rushed to assist.
"All I saw were the lady's legs from underneath the car," said Christine Vollmer.
Vollmer called 911 while others responded to the scene.
"Once I heard her scream, 'Help,' I just ran outside and tried to lift up the car by myself, and then other neighbors came out," said Amelia Cannon of Nolet Home Care Agency.
Vollmer said she looked for additional help as more people gathered.
"When I saw my delivery driver, I was like, 'Alright, he has muscles,'" she said.
Among those who responded was FedEx driver Karl Wise.
"Picked up the Volkswagen Beetle on its side and drug the woman out and I told her, 'Don't move,'" Wise said.
After she was freed, the woman was taken to a nearby hospital with chest injuries. Police said she is in stable condition.
Prospect Park Police Chief Dave Madonna praised the bystanders who came to the woman's aid.
"No special equipment, no training, they just come over and use brute force to lift the vehicle off of the victim," Madonna said.
Madonna also used the incident to highlight concerns about e-bike safety.
Prospect Park police said the crash demonstrates the dangers of e-bikes, which do not require a license or a helmet to operate in Pennsylvania.
"How many more tragedies do we have to see before some type of action is taken?" Madonna said.
While calling for additional regulations involving e-bikes, the chief also returned to the scene to personally thank those who helped rescue the woman.
"You stepped in and did what you had to do, so thank you," Madonna told Cannon.
He also thanked Vollmer and others who assisted during the emergency.
"Thanks so much. Thank you for what you do," Madonna said.
Despite being praised for their actions, some of those involved downplayed the recognition.
"I wouldn't say hero, I just helped someone in need," Cannon said.
Police credited the group's quick response with helping save the woman's life.
