WEST JORDAN, Utah – The driver witnesses helped officers free from a fiery crash in West Jordan has died.
West Jordan police said 45-year-old Lucas Nunez-Manriquez was in extremely critical condition Wednesday night after becoming trapped in a car fire.
The car caught fire after it crossed several lanes of traffic and crashed into a pole near 9000 S. 3400 W. around 9:20 p.m.
“When officers arrived, the vehicle was still engulfed in flames. Officers made some heroic life-saving efforts, including one officer climbing into the vehicle while it was still on fire to try and stabilize the patient,” Ian Adams said, West Jordan Police Department.
Adams credits witnesses with helping to extinguish the fire.
“Some great citizens nearby helped by bringing water to try to douse the flames. Officers were able to get the fire mostly knocked down,” Adams said.
Firefighters had to remove Nunez-Manriquez from the car.
He was then taken to Jordan Valley Hospital.
The officer who climbed into the burning vehicle was also treated for smoke inhalation.
The West Jordan Police Department’s major accident team was called to the scene to investigate how the crash occurred.
“West Jordan police want to extend their sincere thanks to the civilians and witnesses who came to the aid of the officers and the victim in this case,” Adams said. “Great job by a partnership between the police, the fire department and the citizens. That’s what we see here in West Jordan and we’re happy that it occurred tonight.”
