SOMERVILLE, MASS. (WHDH) - Newly-released video shows the moment a group of good Samaritans helped lift a car off a trapped pedestrian after the man was hit while crossing a street in Somerville Thursday.
The crash happened Thursday morning near the intersection of Broadway and McGrath Highway.
Somerville police said the car hit the man while he was walking across Broadway. Though he was later taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, police and witnesses said the man was initially stuck under the car that hit him.
In traffic camera video, police can be seen moving around the vehicle and the 58-year-old pedestrian.
Officer Thomas Lambert was one of four Somerville officers who arrived on scene moments after the pedestrian was hit and trapped under the vehicle.
“He was completely under it so we had to think quick. What’s next, what can we do,” Lambert said.
Lambert said someone offered a jack, but that there wasn’t enough time to put it under the car.
“The only way to get him out from under the vehicle was to physically lift the vehicle,” he said.
The seven-year veteran of the force said he and his fellow officers were ready to try and do it themselves when construction crews working in the neighborhood nearby came running.
“It was incredible. I saw it out of the corner of my eye. We were ready to lift the vehicle and it was just people flying out of working, coming across the street to help. It was unbelievable,” Lambert said.
They were all seen lifting the car up on two wheels and dragging it to the side of the road, away from the injured man.
“Everyone just got on one side and lifted, and it was surprisingly a lot lighter than we thought it would be with all the help. So, it was a great group effort,” Lambert said. “Lifted on two wheels and we rolled it back about 10 feet and kind of cleared the way to render further medical aid.”
One of the workers who aided in the rescue spoke to 7NEWS on Thursday, saying he was glad to help.
“We wake up every morning to come to work and do our work and then, to be able to do that, it’s grateful,” said Anderson Pacheco. “I wish he is good and I wish all the best for him.”
One day after the rescue, Somerville police thanked officers and bystanders.
“Their quick, selfless actions made all the difference and saved a life,” police said in a post on X. “Moments like these remind us of the strong community spirit we have in Somerville.”
The driver who hit the pedestrian stayed at the scene after the crash. Police did not immediately say whether they will file any charges.
While the police investigation continued, Somerville Police Administrative Captain Jeffrey DiGregorio on Friday morning said the pedestrian was still healing from his injuries.
“[I]t appears he will recover,” DiGregorio said.
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