Hero Bystander Pulls Driver From Flaming Car Moments Before Explosion

June 3, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Edison, New Jersey.

In a heart-pounding moment of bravery, a New Jersey man saved a stranger's life Tuesday morning—just seconds before a car erupted into flames.

man rescues stranger from car on fire
Charles Parry / News 12 New Jersey

Charles Parry of Piscataway was simply waiting in line for gas around 6 a.m. in Edison when he saw a vehicle suddenly lose control, accelerate wildly, and crash into a sign outside the Costco and PetSmart on Route 27. As flames began to rise from the hood, Parry didn’t hesitate.

"By the time I got over there I saw flames in the hood," he told News 12.

Realizing he had only seconds, Parry fought to free the trapped driver. The seatbelt wouldn't budge, and the flames were growing.

“Once the flames started getting bigger, I just started yanking him as hard as I could,” he recalled.

Thanks to his quick thinking and courage, Parry was able to pull the man to safety just in time. Though he inhaled some smoke, Parry is safe.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.