Man pulled from burning SUV identified

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne police released the name of the man pulled from a burning SUV. He's been identified as Chris Plew, 49, of New Haven. As of Saturday afternoon he was still listed in critical, but stable, condition in a hospital.

Plew went to the hospital in critical condition Friday night after his SUV went airborne and burst into flames.

It happened around 9:30 p.m. Friday when police were called out in report of an accident at Creighton Avenue and Clinton Street.

Police said they believe the SUV Plew was driving was traveling southbound on Clinton when he was possibly involved in an accident at Clinton and Murray St.  His vehicle continued southbound at a very high rate of speed, struck a concrete barrier wall and a street sign.  Witnesses then said Plew's SUV went airborne, landed just south of the intersection and burst into flames.

Police said a nearby resident who heard the crash, pulled the driver out of the burning vehicle.  With the help of other witnesses they were able to put out the fire on Plew's clothes and assisted him until medics arrived.

Plew was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

Police believe if not for the immediate actions of the resident, Plew could have died.

Investigators believe speed to be a factor in the accident and weather conditions a minor contributing factor.  Other possible factors remain under investigation.