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Good Samaritans Rescue Suspected DUI Driver After Fiery Crash On 405 Freeway

ENCINO (CBSLA.com) — Two good Samaritans are being credited with saving a suspected drunken driver after a fiery crash on the San Diego (405) Freeway.

The crash occurred about 3:10 a.m. Sunday on the northbound lanes of the freeway just north of the Ventura (101) junction in Encino.

KNX 1070 reports that the rescuers braved smoke and flames to cut the young driver out of his 2007 Toyota Scion which overturned after it struck the concrete center divider and burst into flames.

One of the rescuers -- an off-duty security guard -- reportedly used his pocket knife to cut the man's seat belt.

A news release issued by the California Highway Patrol says the driver, identified as a 23-year-old North Hills man, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

He was released to the care of Northridge Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, the statement said.

No further information was immediately available.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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