Man saved by good samaritan from fiery crash improves

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- The medical status of a man pulled from a burning SUV Friday night has been upgraded to serious condition.

According to Fort Wayne police, Chris Plew, 49, of New Haven was originally transported to the hospital suffering critical injuries after his SUV went airborne and burst into flames.

Police originally responded to the crash at Clinton Street and Creighton Avenue around 9:30 p.m. Friday.   Through an investigation officers uncovered Plew was first involved in a crash a few blocks north at Clinton and Murray Street.  His vehicle continued southbound at a very high rate of speed, struck a concrete barrier wall and a crosswalk pole.

A resident living on the corner where Plew’s SUV hit the barrier heard the crash and ran to assist the driver.  Ryan Shatzer pulled Plew from the burning vehicle.  Shatzer and other witnesses were able to put out the fire on Plew's clothes and helped him until medics arrived.

"It feels good... Knowing that you did as good as you can at least for a second," Shatzer said.

Police said Monday that Shatzer's quick work provided Plew a second chance at life.

"The investigators and the officers at the scene really do believe that if it were not for the actions of that individual the driver would not have this opportunity," Raquel Foster, spokesperson for the Fort Wayne Police Department said.

Investigators ruled out alcohol and drugs as contributing factors in the accident.  Instead, they have reported speed to be the main cause with weather conditions were considered a minor contributing factor. 

It was unknown as of Monday whether Plew suffered a medical condition prior to the two crashes.