New Jersey trooper saves couple from burning car

Egg Harbor Township, N.J. (WTXF) - A New Jersey trooper is being credited with saving a couple from their burning car on the Atlantic City Expressway Tuesday morning.

Sergeant First Class James Mitchell, of the New Jersey State Police Casino Operations Unit, came to the rescue when he discovered a Nissan Pathfinder ablaze after striking a concrete barrier in the center median around 7:45 a.m.

As the driver was reportedly trying to remove his seatbelt, SFC Mitchell was able to approach the car and assist. Police say that while being led to safety, the driver told the trooper his wife was still in the vehicle.

According to the police, the trooper was unable to successfully rescue the woman on his first attempt because her feet were caught under the dashboard. Police say he then grabbed the woman from underneath her arms and pulled her through the window.

The woman was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Campus with non-life-threatening injuries where she was last listed as in stable condition. No injuries were reported for the driver.

The cause and circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.