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NBC’s Tom Costello Helps Save Teen From Beltway Car Fire

His on-air account underscores how quick bystander action can keep a crash from turning fatal.

Overview

  • Costello, who was driving home Tuesday, watched a car smash into a concrete barrier on I-495 and immediately called 911.
  • He opened the driver’s door to find a stunned 17-year-old, then flagged help from an orthopedic surgeon and a nurse who stopped at the scene.
  • The trio lifted the teen and carried him down an off-ramp to safety just before the wreck ignited and exploded.
  • Costello said the car had blown past him at about 100 mph by his estimate and he urged parents to keep closer watch on new drivers.
  • He recounted the rescue on NBC News NOW with Hallie Jackson as Today and TV Insider amplified the story, with no official updates yet on the teen’s condition or the investigation.