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CBS2 Exclusive: Good Samaritans Pull Unconscious Man From Burning Car In Parsippany

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Without thinking twice about their own safety, good Samaritans jumped into action to rescue a driver from a burning car in New Jersey.

A Monday evening shift at Kafe Mozart in Parsippany was anything but routine for 20-year-old Nicolas Limanov and 17-year-old Anthony DeSpirito.

"I heard a call over my radio that I carry as an emergency responder in town, that there was an unconscious man in the parking lot of our plaza," Limanov explained, speaking exclusively with CBS2's Tracee Carrasco.

Limanov, a volunteer with the community emergency response team, and DeSpirito spotted smoke in the parking lot.

Moments later the Blue 2003 SAAB went up in flames with a 22-year-old man inside.

Limanov didn't hesitate.

"I was able to do it just in time before a lot of fuel leaked out and the flames got worse, so it was seconds to spare, but it was done," he said.

"When they first pulled him out of the car he was more unconscious, and then he started to gain a little bit," DeSpirito said.

Limanov pulled the man to safety, and first responders arrived to put out the flames. The driver may have fallen asleep with his foot on the gas.

"I'm glad that I was around and was able to save his life," he said.

Monday's incident wasn't the first time Limanov has been in the right place at the right time. About a month ago he helped rescue another man trapped inside his vehicle.

"A tractor trailer right in front of us sideswiped a vehicle and the door was locked and the guy was having chest pains or something inside and wasn't able to open the door and I had a crow bar in the car and I was very easily able to unlatch the door," he said.

Limanov's volunteer work in the community recently earned him ma 'Citizen of the Year.' Now, he can add hero to his list of honors.

 

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