3 Deputies Rescue Unconscious Driver From Burning Car In Palmdale

PALMDALE (CBSLA.com) — Three deputies were praised Thursday for their heroic efforts to save an unconscious driver from his burning vehicle in Palmdale.

Around 1:15 a.m., deputies were sent to the area of 20th Street east and Route 8 for report of a car into a house, according to the Palmdale Sheriff's Department.

Upon their arrival, authorities located a black 2003 Mercedes CLK 500. Smoke was coming out of the left wheel and flames quickly erupted.

The vehicle subsequently sustained extensive melting to the passenger side, and charring and melting to the drivers side.

Los Angeles County firefighters extinguished the blaze at the scene.

The passenger was able to safely get out of the vehicle on his own, but the driver was unconscious.

Deputies managed to rescue the driver by pulling him through the window.

Paramedics transported the driver, a 28-year-old Palmdale resident, to a hospital for treatment of a head concussion, a broken spleen, air in his chest, and left knee and foot abrasions.

The driver was listed in serious, but stable condition, according to hospital officials.

The passenger was also hospitalized for treatment of moderate injuries.

Authorities said they will conduct a DUI test on the driver at the hospital.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.