Man Hailed As Hero After Rescuing Two People From Fiery Car Crash

January 22, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Neenah, Wisconsin.

On a frigid Monday night in Wisconsin, Tanner Ater sprang into action to save two people from a fiery car crash, earning him the admiration of the community and the title of hero.

stranger saves people in car crash
City of Neenah, Wisconsin Police Department

The incident unfolded when Ater heard a loud bang outside his apartment and rushed to investigate. Neenah police reported that a car had collided with a fire hydrant, careened down an embankment, and struck a tree on Gillingham Road. The vehicle came to rest on its side, flames beginning to engulf the engine.

Ater wasted no time. After spotting a woman screaming for help, he grabbed his snow gear, phone, and fire extinguisher before driving his tow truck to the crash site. Upon arrival, he extinguished the flames and helped the woman, who was perched atop the overturned vehicle, to safety. Battling thick smoke and subzero temperatures, Ater’s heroic efforts were far from over.

“I got the wife off, but the main one was the husband (who was still inside the car), flames were starting to re-engulf the car,” he said. “I was worried I wasn’t going to get him out in time but thank God the cop got on scene when he did because without his help I wouldn’t have gotten him out.”

Temperatures were a brutal -8°F during the rescue.

“I didn’t have gloves on and my hands were almost frostbite,” Ater told Local 5 News in an interview on Tuesday. “At that point in time, I didn’t think of anything else to grab. Just wanted to get out there and rescue them because I saw smoke come from the car.”

Both individuals were transported to the hospital. The female passenger has since been released, while the male driver remains hospitalized with unknown injuries.

Police officials have praised Ater’s actions on social media.

“The heroic citizen who leaped into action, rescuing the passenger and driver from the burning vehicle is 30-year-old male, Tanner Ater, of Neenah,” the department wrote.

“We are thankful to the Winnebago County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue, and Gold Cross Ambulance for their assistance on scene... and... A VERY SPECIAL 'Thank you!' to the courageous Neenah resident who rushed to help.”