Dramatic Rescue at House Explosion in Park Forest - Video John Nieminski

John Nieminski of Bailey Road in Park Forest captured video of a woman being rescued from a home in Park Forest, moments after the co-op unit exploded. Moments after she escaped from the second floor, the building was engulfed in flames. Ron Shockley, of Tinley Park, is credited with finding a ladder, climbing to the second floor, and carrying the resident to safety.

The rescue itself occurs almost directly in the center of the screen, and is most obvious when watching full screen.

Used with permission.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• rescue
• bravery ambulance
• fire
• department
• aim
• works
• emergency
• alvin
• mime
• engine
• police
• scream
• siren
• alarm

[enewspf]

@4divalicious: Fire did not receive the call immediately. They were on the scene within three minutes of getting the call.

[whitesox1970]

What's so amazing after the AT&T guy brings her down ,the woman has no shoes, he takes his boots off (2:05)and has her wear his. Both AT&T workers go right back to their job sites(5:10) as if it was just another day..... awesome job ..... sorry Comcast it's time for Uverse........

[ffjsb]

@SnappyPenguins Just remember, if you fill that brick building full of flammable stuff, you can still have a heck of a fire. Wood building can have rapid fire spread through voids though.

[BanDragonja]

@jcoyden Hi! If that's so, then I'm obliged to appologize. A feeling someone is waiting and recording other human being's destruction, or death, is a frustraiting anger and helplesness while seeing it. Hope the reason to record, and do nothing else then that, is real. John knows it best. If it's true, I am sorry if my comment did anything negative or bad. Please pass this on to him.

And thank you! For the effort, for helping and, in fact, doing the best thing to clear this things out.

[marcelrotgans]

No problem fire in your home is the worst thing that could happend to you even if you don't get hurt the lost of many inreplaceble things is even worst.

I am glad she is okay

[jcoyden]

@djsmexyy guy holding camera was a senior citizen and on crutches from a recent surgery. He could not physically help which is what pained him the most. That's why he was saying "somebody help her." on the camera. All is well now as the victim has fully recovered!

[jcoyden]

@marcelrotgans Yes she survived and is fully recovered from a physical standpoint. She suffered minor burns and abrasions. Obviously though she is still dealing with psychological issues and suffers from PTSD but is being treated for it. thanks for your concern.

[jcoyden]

@BanDragonja I'm a reporter for one of the local newspapers. Actually spoke to John today. He's the man who video recorded this tape. At this time last year he was on crutches awaiting surgery for a knee replacement. He said he felt helpless as he was unable to help with the rescue, which is why you can hear him on the video saying "somebody help her." That area has a lot of seniors who live there and they were physically unable to help much.Just wanted to clear that up for you.

[BanDragonja]

Better record then jump to help. Take all the credits.

[GeneralRyker]

As a former fire dep't member, I never witnessed anything like this before. I "assume" it was another gas rupture?

[marcelrotgans]

Great movie well made and the woman survive? i think she went with the police

[lrd9999]

It sounds as if this was leaking gas. Both nat. gas and oxygen are scary as hell; my cousin's house exploded in 1977 just from road work though they had no gas service. That must be aluminum siding; if it had been vinyl rather than aluminum and brick on those houses, half the block might have gone. Hope the woman recovered OK after the rescue. Good job, ATT guys!

[lrd9999]

@valpolover09 Every day thousands of rescues like this are attempted. Some succeed and the victims are saved, some fail and the victims die. This is to be expected, god or no-god. Are you saying that GOD wanted all the victims who couldn't be rescued to die?