GREENFIELD — A raging accident brought first responders and a witness together to save a Hancock County teen.
Jonathan Moncrieff, 19, told WRTV he’s recovering slowly at home and is grateful to be alive.
“I think it was a blessing to be there and I thank God,” said John Brooks.
John Brooks, 58, doesn’t want to be called a hero but says he was in the right place at the right time.
“The car was on fire and overturned. Oh dear, they’re stuck in the car,” is part of Brooke’s 911 call on July 2 at around 3:45 p.m
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19-year-old Jonathan Moncrieff
Brooks says she was the only other car traveling west on US-40 when 19-year-old Jonathan Moncrieff overturned his vehicle, crashing into a median and the vehicle catching fire.
“He was traveling west, hitting a tack midway and looks like he blew up and burned through some axles, causing a fire that went across the ground,” said Sgt. Justin Jackson.
Jackson heard calls for help on the radio with the Blake Krull patrol crew. You volunteered to help Barb Miles, Deputy Hancock County, take down Moncrieff.
“Videos I’ve Seen [Ofc. Crull and Deputy Meils] shows he went and tried to grab the glass from the vehicle and tried to get the man out of the vehicle,” Jackson said. “They tried to wake the man up. He was unconscious. He didn’t answer. They rushed to try and grab him, which he couldn’t fit through. I don’t know if his leg was pinched or something. There I came. I saw how close the fire was to him.”
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19-year-old Jonathan Moncrieff
While others tried to open the door, Sgt. Jackson took longer to find a fire extinguisher.
“As I walked up to them, the door slammed,” Jackson said. “At that point, I went straight into the car and dove for the man. At this point he leaned toward the center console. Officer Krull and I got him to safety. Then I checked the car to make sure the other guys were there. are not inside.”
Sergeant Justin Jackson says it all happened in two minutes.
“A few minutes would have changed everything. When we pulled it out, the car was completely engulfed within a minute,” Jackson said.
Moncrieff’s father says he has a fracture at the base of his skull, a lung injury, severe bruising, pain and a burning sensation in his back.
As he wears a stiff collar for the next three months, he’s grateful and excited to get his guitar played again.
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“I’m glad he’s making a full recovery. I’m glad we got there for the family and got their son out of the vehicle,” Jackson said.
Brooks was there the whole time, helping out wherever he could. He thanks the first responders and has this message for Moncrieff.
“I’m praying that he gets well soon, and I want to meet you in person and shake your hand and let you know that God is on your side,” Brooks said.
The Moncrieff family thanks those involved and tells WRTV that they would also like to meet with Brooks and the officers.
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19-year-old Jonathan Moncrieff
Investigations into the cause of the accident are still ongoing.
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