In a dramatic display of courage and unity, several good Samaritans came together to rescue a 71-year-old man from his burning vehicle on a bustling Minnesota highway.
This event unfolded when Sam Orbovich’s Honda SUV struck a light pole and a guardrail on Interstate 94 near Snelling Avenue in Saint Paul. Trapped within the flaming wreckage, Orbovich’s situation was dire, sparking a swift response from nearby drivers.
Among the first responders were Kadir Tolla, who was en route to meet clients, and Tessa Sand, a 24-year-old registered nurse. As flames engulfed the car, Tolla, Sand, and others stopped their vehicles and rushed to assist.
“All I see is there is a man in the car that can’t get out and needs our help,” Tolla recounted. The intensity of the scene was palpable. Sand described the harrowing conditions: “The car just totally went up in flames. You could feel how hot it was. The smell of the smoke [was] just wafting in the air.”
The group faced significant challenges as they worked to free Orbovich. The driver’s side doors were obstructed by the guardrail, and both sides of the SUV were ablaze.
In a critical moment, a highway response team member managed to smash the driver’s side window, allowing the rescuers to finally pull Orbovich to safety.
Reflecting on the rescue, Tessa Sand recognized the divine hand in their success: “It’s 100% a miracle,” she affirmed. “If strangers had not come together to form this community to get this man out of the car, I don’t think he would still be here today.”
Remarkably, Orbovich survived with only minor injuries, though he was taken for a medical examination.
In times of crisis, we witness God’s protection and His mysterious ways of sending help through strangers. It’s absolutely God’s hand that protected Sam Orbovich from the flames, showing us how He intervenes in our lives.
We are reminded that God is always watching over us, and He mobilizes people around us to deliver His grace and protection.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6