An 18-year-old Massachusetts teenager is recovering after a terrifying accident left him trapped underneath his own SUV, pinned against a fence and unable to move until a neighbor heard his desperate cries for help.
The frightening incident unfolded in Kingston, Massachusetts, on Saturday morning after John Joyce attempted to move his stalled vehicle out of the roadway. According to local authorities, Joyce had placed the SUV in neutral and began pushing it when the vehicle suddenly rolled backward, knocking him to the ground and trapping him underneath one of the rear tires.
Joyce later described the terrifying moments that followed, saying he realized almost immediately that he could not free himself.
“I was screaming, ‘Help!’” the teen told local media after the ordeal.
What could have become a deadly tragedy instead turned into a dramatic rescue operation thanks to a nearby resident who happened to hear the cries while doing yard work nearby.
Neighbor’s Quick Action Helps Save Teen
Authorities said the neighbor immediately called emergency crews after spotting the teen pinned beneath the SUV.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they found Joyce trapped underneath the rear section of the vehicle with significant lower-body injuries. Firefighters from the Kingston Fire Department quickly began working to stabilize the SUV and safely lift it off the teenager without causing further harm.
According to Captain Joshua Hatch of the Kingston Fire Department, rescue crews used specialized airbags to elevate the vehicle enough to pull Joyce to safety.
Emergency responders described the situation as serious enough to require a medical helicopter.
A MedFlight helicopter was dispatched to transport Joyce due to the severity of the incident, police said. The aircraft ultimately landed at a nearby high school athletic field where a lacrosse game involving hundreds of spectators was taking place.
The emergency landing briefly transformed the sports field into an impromptu rescue zone.
Police said approximately 200 people were present at the game when officers arrived to clear the landing site. Several athletes reportedly helped move equipment and debris from the field to allow the helicopter to land safely.
For many at the game, the emergency quickly became deeply personal after word spread that the injured teen was known within the local community.
Dramatic Rescue Shakes Tight-Knit Community
Kingston police later praised residents, students and emergency personnel for their rapid response and cooperation during the unfolding emergency.
“Once again, Kingston shines as a community that is always willing to help a neighbor,” the department said in a statement following the rescue.
Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as the helicopter descended onto the athletic field while players, parents and spectators watched in silence.
Emergency helicopter landings are rare in smaller suburban communities like Kingston, and the scene reportedly left many shaken.
Still, officials said the coordination between police officers, firefighters, medical personnel and community members helped ensure the operation proceeded safely and without further incident.
The dramatic rescue also highlighted how quickly ordinary situations can become dangerous.
According to Joyce, the SUV had stalled in the street, leading him to try moving it manually. Vehicle safety experts often warn drivers about the risks associated with pushing vehicles on uneven surfaces or without adequate wheel stabilization, especially heavier SUVs that can suddenly shift due to gravity or momentum.
In this case, the SUV’s movement trapped Joyce before he had time to escape.
Incidents involving people pinned beneath vehicles are often fatal or result in catastrophic injuries, making Joyce’s recovery especially remarkable.
Teen Calls Survival a ‘Lucky’ Escape
Despite the severity of the accident, Joyce was released from the hospital only hours later and was reportedly able to walk under his own power while speaking with reporters afterward.
“I’m very lucky to just be standing here,” Joyce said after returning home.
His comments reflected the overwhelming sense of relief felt throughout the Kingston community following the rescue.
Police also acknowledged that traumatic emergencies can have emotional effects not only on victims but on witnesses and responders as well. Officials said support resources were being made available for those affected by the incident, including individuals who witnessed the helicopter landing at the school athletic field.
For residents, the story became more than just an accident report. It was also a reminder of the importance of quick-thinking neighbors, coordinated emergency services and community support during moments of crisis.
What began as a routine attempt to move a stalled vehicle ended with a large-scale rescue operation that could easily have had a far more tragic outcome.
Instead, thanks to one neighbor hearing a cry for help and emergency crews responding within minutes, an 18-year-old walked away from a life-threatening accident that many say he was fortunate to survive.