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Five saved as fire engulfs van for disabled in MN
Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News (August 7, 2008)Aug. 7--Bystanders used fire extinguishers to smash the windows of a van and rescue five handicapped passengers minutes before the vehicle was engulfed in flames Wednesday in New Brighton.
Eight people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but quick thinking by employees at several businesses may have saved the lives of the people in wheelchairs in the van, authorities said.
Michael Zerka was working at Clocktower Liquors about 2 p.m. when his uncle, Assad Awaijane, saw the van pull up. They both rushed out with fire extinguishers.
"We saw smoke coming out of the hood," Zerka said. "The driver alone was able to get one person out. Everyone else was in a wheelchair."
Employees from other businesses in the strip mall came rushing to help before emergency crews arrived. The van, from Phoenix Alternatives in White Bear Lake, had caught fire on Interstate 694 and pulled into the parking lot off the intersection of Palmer Drive and Silver Lake Road.
Zerka said he and other employees took turns rushing into the van to unbuckle the passengers, four of whom were in wheelchairs.
"I was able to grab and unbuckle a passenger, but I couldn't breathe anymore so I had to run out," he said. "They were all bolted down in the seats, and they were panicking."
At least five passengers who were suffering from smoke inhalation were taken to Unity Hospital in Fridley or Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. Two New Brighton police officers were also taken to Unity, where they also were treated for smoke inhalation. Another person was also treated. All injuries were considered minor, said Tim Burke, Allina Hospitals and Clinics spokesman.
The quick response from rescuers and bystanders prevented a tragedy, said Bob Jacobson, public safety director for New Brighton.
"It certainly could have been much worse," he said. "Another 30 seconds to a minute and it would have been too late to prevent significant injury or death. It was very close, and we were very lucky that a number of citizens were there when the van pulled off of 694."
Officials know the fire started in the engine compartment as the van was being driven, but the cause remains under investigation, Jacobson said. Calls to Phoenix Alternatives were not returned on Wednesday. According to its website, the nonprofit organization provides resources for adults with developmental disabilities.
Zerka said he hopes he will have a chance to meet the people he and others helped rescue.
"It was a whole group working together," he said. "It's a good community here."
lpabst@startribune.com --612-673-4628 asimons@startribune.com --612-673-4921
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