In a remarkable display of courage, a 21-year-old Army infantryman pulled an alleged drunk driver from a burning vehicle, with the entire rescue captured on camera.
The incident unfolded on December 2nd in El Paso, Texas, as Alex Mayorga and his girlfriend, Carla Arahu, were enjoying a date night. After stopping for gas, Mayorga noticed a vehicle swerving erratically on the highway.
Alex Mayorga, a 21-year-old Army infantryman, is being hailed a hero
“I noticed a vehicle swerving back and forth,” Mayorga recounted, the memory triggering a similar incident from his childhood. “I see my dad do it once like a very long time ago when we were on the highway.”
Without hesitation, Mayorga dialed 9-1-1 to report the dangerous driver, providing the dispatcher with a detailed description of the vehicle.
Mayorga and his girlfriend, Carla Arahu, were driving on the highway when they witnessed the accident
“Uh, the guy’s swerving all over the highway right now,” Mayorga informed the dispatcher, his voice laced with concern. “I didn’t I think he hit the wall too.”
Despite relaying the vehicle information, Mayorga briefly lost sight of the car as it sped off. Relieved, the couple decided to continue their date, exiting the highway to grab some food.
Fate, however, had other plans. As they were driving, they encountered the same vehicle again, this time parked precariously in the middle of the street.
Mayorga’s instincts kicked in. He sensed something was amiss and prepared for the unknown.
“When I was seeing him coming up to the curb I was, I was thinking in my mind you know something’s gonna happen. He’s gonna hit his brakes and he’s gonna stop and I’m gonna check up on him, see if he’s good,” Mayorga explained, his voice steady despite the escalating tension. “Or, he’s probably gonna get spooked and like get on the gas and whatever whatever happens is gonna happen.”
His premonition proved accurate. The driver, seemingly startled, slammed on the accelerator, his car careening off the road, hitting a sign and then a tree before flipping over.
A horrifying scene unfolded as the car burst into flames. Arahu, who had been filming the events, captured the entire incident on camera.
Without a second thought, Mayorga, fueled by adrenaline and a deep sense of duty, sprinted towards the burning wreckage.
“When I came up to his car, when I was running towards his car, I noticed it was on fire,” Mayorga shared, his voice filled with urgency. “That’s when I thought in my mind I was like okay now I gotta help this dude you know a little quicker because you know his car’s on fire. I’m not trying to get on fire and I’m trying to get him out as quick as I can.”
Mayorga pulled the unconscious driver to safety
Mayorga’s swift actions proved to be life-saving. He managed to pull the unconscious driver from the inferno, dragging him to safety.
The driver regained consciousness during the rescue and, despite his injuries, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his rescuer.
“He just thanked me,” Mayorga shared, recalling the driver’s words. “He thanked me a lot.”
When asked about his heroic actions, Mayorga remained humble. He credits his military background for preparing him to handle high-pressure situations with composure and decisiveness.
“I’m in the military so like I’m kind of used to those things,” Mayorga stated, his tone matter-of-fact. For him, there was never any question of not helping. It was instinct, driven by compassion and a sense of responsibility.
This incredible act of bravery serves as a powerful testament to the selflessness and courage instilled in those who serve in the military. Mayorga’s quick thinking and decisive actions undoubtedly saved a life that night, proving that heroism can emerge in the most unexpected of circumstances.
