MURFREESBORO, TN - It was a tense Saturday evening on Interstate 24 when a routine drive turned into a life‑or‑death emergency. Around 4:40 p.m. on November 29, 2025, near the 73‑mile marker, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputy Anna Olson arrived at the scene of a crash and discovered a vehicle already ablaze. Just feet away from the flames lay an unresponsive man. Without hesitation, Olson and a bystander rushed to move him, knowing every second mattered.
Moments later, Deputies Bryan Tyrie and Christopher Young arrived and joined the effort. Together, the three deputies and the civilian pulled the injured man farther from the burning wreckage, ensuring he was out of immediate danger. Supervisors later emphasized that their quick thinking and bravery likely saved his life.
As the rescue unfolded, Murfreesboro Fire‑Rescue's ladder 11 crew pulled a handline and knocked down the fire before it could spread further into the wooded area.
Meanwhile, Rutherford County EMS paramedics evaluated the injured man. Though shaken and hurt, he was stabilized at the scene and transported to Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Officials confirmed he was in stable condition upon arrival.
The bystander’s name was not released, but their role in the rescue was praised alongside the deputies. It was a striking reminder of how ordinary citizens and first responders can come together in extraordinary circumstances.
The incident near the 74‑mile marker on I‑24 East (traffic going toward Chattanooga) left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it. A vehicle veering off the roadway, catching fire in the woods, and the swift, coordinated response that followed—all of it underscored the unpredictable nature of emergencies and the courage required to face them.
In the end, what could have been a tragic headline became a story of survival, teamwork, and gratitude. For Rutherford County, it was another example of the dedication of its deputies, the skill of its firefighters, paramedics, and the compassion of its community
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