A Fairfield University student is fighting for his life after suffering severe burns when his SUV went up in flames.
Justin Hervey was involved in some kind of accident and caught on fire while trying to escape from the burning Chevy Tahoe on Melville Avenue at the Tunxis Hill Park baseball field in Fairfield on Thursday night, according to police.
The Connecticut Post reports that Hervey is a 23-year-old Armonk , New York man.
Firefighters responded just after 6:30 p.m.
According to police, witnesses said they first heard a popping sound, then saw an SUV on fire.
Hervey ran out of his car and onto a Little League field during a baseball game.
A parent and a Little League coach helped put the fire out before firefighters arrived, Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. Perez said.
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The victim suffered burns to most of his body and was taken to the Bridgeport Hospital burn unit, where he is in critical condition.
Fairfield police said he's between the ages of 18 and 22 years-old.
One of the people who helped the victim also suffered burns and had to be treated.
“The actions of the civilians that helped the burn victim with his injuries were heroic and should be applauded as they risked their personal safety to help another person in need.” Assistant Fire Chief Scott Bisson said in a statement. “Due to the traumatic nature of the incident that many young players witnessed, the parents of the children and the school system have been advised of the situation so that counselors will be available for anyone requesting assistance.”
Fairfield University Spokeswoman Martha Milcarek confirmed that the victim is a student.
Fairfield Police are investigating the cause of the fire and helped the Little Leaguers who witnessed the ordeal.
Doing It Local took this video at the scene:
