Man rescued from burning vehicle in Sheboygan, suffers third-degree burns

SHEBOYGAN -- Sheboygan fire officials rescued a motorists from a burning vehicle Friday morning, May 6th. The driver crashed after suffering a medical condition and losing control of his vehicle.

The City of Sheboygan Fire Department responded to the scene of a vehicle fire near N. 5th Street and Ontario Avenue around 7:40 a.m.

The first arriving crews encountered  a fully involved van resting on the front lawn steps of a home. They immediately noticed through the heavy smoke that there was a person in the driver’s seat of the burning vehicle.

Fire officials broke out two windows, so they could reach in and unlock the doors. Meanwhile, the next arriving engine advanced a hose line and began extinguishing the fire.

Authorities say the driver’s seat belt had to be released and his hand pried off the steering wheel, which he was gripping tightly due to a medical condition.

The vehicle was extinguished and the driver was transported to the hospital.  He suffered third-degree burns.

Officials say the gasoline tank of the van had ruptured from jumping the curb and was ignited by the rotating front tires of the vehicle, which rested up against the concrete steps in the front yard.