WILLOUGHBY HILLS, Ohio — A Willoughy Hills officer was injured after attempting to save the life of a man inside of a burning car.
On Saturday around 9:45 p.m., a Willoughy Hills police officer was on I-90 East near mile marker 187, when he officer clocked a silver Corvette driving 117 miles per hour in a 60 mph.
Officials said the officer attempted to catch the speeding car, when the driver turned onto I-271 south bound.
Police said the officer activated his emergency equipment and a short time later, the driver exited at Wilson Mills.
The driver lost control of his car, hitting the large signal control box and burst into flames, according to police.
Police said the Corvette continued through the intersection and came to rest in the wood line on the south side of the road.
The officer approached the burning car, saw no one on the driver’s side, but heard moaning coming from the passenger’s side, according to police.
Police said the officer moved to that side where he found a man inside, on fire, reached in, and pulled him out and away from the burning car.
The officer burned his hands.
Highland Heights Fire & EMS personnel transported the 59-year-old passenger and the officer were transported to Hillcrest Hospital.
The passenger was flown to Metro Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The officer was treated and released.
A man, later identified as the 41-year-old driver and owner of the car, was found at Hillcrest Hospital several hours later. He was dropped off by an unknown man.
The crash is under investigation.
