A Florida firefighter sustained severe burns while rescuing his fiancée from their Uber after it collided with a tanker en route to their dream vacation.
Bryan Aparicio, age 27, said, “I cannot let her die!” as he valiantly dragged Su Hninyi, age 26, from the blazing wreckage while endangering his life.
Tuesday afternoon, Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue firefighter Aparacio and his girlfriend embarked on a cruise vacation.
The pair was riding in an Uber on Interstate 95 near Delray Beach when a tanker in front of them collided while attempting to dodge an oncoming vehicle.
As the Uber driver attempted to dodge the blazing tanker, he crashed into a barrier, causing the car to burst into flames.
Aparicio somehow escaped the back seat by smashing a window with his shoulder and head and climbing out.
But when he learned that his lover was still inside, he dashed back to the fireball to rescue Hninyi, therefore saving her life.
His face, arms, and legs suffered from “severe burns.” Hninyi received burns of the second and third degree.
Both are currently in critical condition at the hospital.
Jason Smith, president of the Broward County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association, stated, ‘It was an instant that happened so quickly; he realized they were stuck and saw that his girlfriend couldn’t escape, so he tried everything he could.
His actions demonstrate that he was willing to risk his life to ensure that hers did not end.
‘His heartbeat is his girlfriend who was standing next to him, and when he came to consciousness, he immediately took action, which is what he trains for and how he responds to the citizens and visitors of Broward County every day.
‘I can’t stop thinking of it this way: he was willing to sacrifice his life and stay right there to ensure she escaped, thus it was reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. He would not leave without her.
75 firefighters in 35 apparatuses rushed to the accident, where the tanker’s spill caused three fires that spread through a storm drain beneath the highway.
Five persons were hurt in total, with three in critical condition.
Authorities presently assume that the car that initially cut across the tanker is responsible for the collision.
Last night, Aparicio was recuperating at Delray Medical Center and could be transported to the burn unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where his girlfriend is in intensive care.
Witness Brian Bernstein stated that the accident site resembled a war zone, adding, “It appeared as though a plane had crashed or something had fallen from the sky and landed on the roadway.”
Eric Solera, a firefighter and Aparicio’s friend, stated, ‘He looked out the window, and the next thing he saw was a wall of fire encircling the car.
“At this moment, there is fire all around the automobile, black smoke all around him, and there is no vision… His exact words were, ‘I cannot allow her to die.’ after he lost contact with his lover.
Solera told the Sun Sentinel, “He is an extremely humble person.”
He did what he did out of pure love for his fiancée and because he is an extraordinary person and a genuine hero.
Smith continued, ‘I believe that his upbringing by his family and the job route he’s chosen have bolstered who we are as firefighters and paramedics.
He demonstrated our dedication to others by being so altruistic, and we are proud of him.
A GoFundMe campaign created by Aparicio’s coworkers has already donated nearly $35,000 to assist the couple with their medical expenses and recovery.
Solera, who created the website with Brendan Quilter, stated, ‘Those of you who know Bryan are aware that he is a nice and remarkable individual.
His heroic actions and prompt response saved the life of his girlfriend. We believe it is our responsibility to demonstrate to him that the community he represents is by his side and willing to assist through these unforeseen circumstances.’
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn