State Trooper and Good Samaritans Help Rescue Driver from Burning Vehicle Following Crash

On November 6, 2023, a Trooper with Troop C and three Good Samaritans were able to help rescue a driver from a burning vehicle following a crash on Louisiana Highway 182 (Bayou Black Drive) in Gibson.

While responding to a crash on LA Hwy 182, Trooper Mark Charpentier soon came upon a separate crash that just occurred near Red Robin Court. At the time, the roadway was covered in thick fog and smoke from nearby marsh fires. One of the vehicles involved in the crash overturned and started to catch fire with the driver still trapped inside. Other Good Samaritans, specifically Samuel Nelson, Brad Falgout, and Michael Safley, had also stopped to help following the crash. TPR Charpentier, Nelson, Falgout, and Safley tried to rescue the trapped driver from the overturned vehicle by breaking windows as the flames continued to grow. TPR Charpentier retrieved a fire extinguisher from his patrol unit and managed to temporarily suppress the flames. They were then able to pull the trapped driver through the front windshield of the vehicle towards safety.

The driver of the overturned vehicle was transported by Acadian Ambulance to an out-of-area hospital where they are being treated for severe injuries.

Louisiana State Police Troop C is thankful for the efforts of TPR Mark Charpentier, Samuel Nelson, Brad Falgout, and Michael Safley. Their quick actions and response prevented this crash from becoming more of a tragedy.