A dramatic rescue unfolded Thursday morning after a vehicle crashed into a gas pump and burst into flames at a Covington convenience store, leaving one woman injured and prompting praise for the actions of citizen bystanders, store employees and first responders.
The crash happened at about 8 a.m. on July 30 at Midway Market #4, located at 415 Highway 51 in Covington. According to the Covington Police Department, a southbound vehicle left the roadway and struck a gas pump, causing it to ignite.
Before first responders arrived, two citizen bystanders approached the burning vehicle and pulled the unconscious driver to safety. A third citizen, who is a nurse, assisted in initially providing aid to the driver and the bystanders who pulled her clear of the fire.
The driver was identified as Angela Vandiver, 47, of Loretta Cove in Brighton. She was treated at the scene before being transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton, where police said she remains in stable condition.
Rescuer Says Instinct Took Over
One of the rescuers, Drew Gookin, said he was simply reacting when he saw the crash while on a routine grocery trip.
“I seen something and I just reacted, is all I did. Not a hero, just a reaction to something that I thought I could do,” Gookin said in an interview with Action News 5.
He said the fire was already well underway when he arrived.
“Flames were already up high before, as I was driving by,” he said.
When he realized someone was trapped inside the burning vehicle, he said there was no hesitation.
“I was just thinking, ‘This is somebody’s mom, grandma, wife, whatever. It’s a person. We got to get her.’ That’s it,” Gookin said.
After reaching the vehicle, he and another bystander pulled Vandiver to safety before moving her farther away from the flames.
“We pulled the lady out; she’s having what we think is a seizure. So, we immediately kept dragging her over there, across the street, to the Deez Auto over there,” he said.
Despite the dangerous conditions, Gookin said adrenaline kept him focused.
“I know it was hot, but with adrenaline, I couldn’t even feel the temperature,” he said.
Quick Actions Credited With Preventing a Greater Tragedy
Police said Midway Market staff immediately pushed the emergency shut-off valve for the gas pumps, cutting off the fuel source to the fire. A second vehicle located on the opposite side of the pump that was struck also sustained damage from the fire and crash.
Covington firefighters extinguished the fire involving the vehicle, the damaged fuel pumps and the canopy. The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol also responded, assisting with the closure of Highway 51 until the scene was rendered safe.
“I want to thank the two good Samaritan citizens who put their own safety in jeopardy to save the driver’s life by pulling her from the vehicle which was fully engulfed in flames.
“The scene was quickly neutralized with the heroic actions of the Midway Market Staff, our citizens, and first responders working jointly to put the fire out and render the scene safe,” said Chief Donna Turner of the Covington Police Department. “God truly provided the angels this driver needed to be saved!”
Acting Covington Fire Chief Jeremy Channell also praised those who responded.
“I commend the quick actions of the bystanders who assisted the driver at the volatile scene today. The overall response during this crash averted a tragedy and saved a life,” Channell said.
“I want to remind the public that incidents involving vehicles and fuel pumps can present significant fire and explosion hazards. Whenever possible, maintain a safe distance and wait for emergency responders unless immediate action is necessary to protect life.”
Community Offers Prayers and Praise Rescue Efforts
As news of the crash spread, social media quickly filled with prayers for Vandiver’s recovery and messages of gratitude for the citizen bystanders, Midway Market employees and first responders whose actions helped save her life.
Many commenters thanked the Good Samaritans who pulled Vandiver from the burning vehicle, while others praised firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel for their response.