Baby Saved from Burning Car Moments before Explosion in I-95 Crash

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on December 7, 2015

In an incredible, heartbreaking turn of events on the morning of November 20th, 2015, two men discovered a burning vehicle on the side of I-95 and were able to save the baby in the backseat – just moments before the car exploded. The driver and father of the baby, 31-year-old Daniel Dufek, was dead before the two good Samaritans ever reached the burning wreck.

The two unexpected heroes, 45-year-old Stephen Hill and coworker Jason Nelson, were on their way to drop off a trailer in their job as movers when they discovered the flaming car on the side of the highway. According to the men, it was barely recognizable as a car, and the driver was very clearly deceased. As they tried to pull his body from the car, they were shocked to realize Dufek’s baby daughter was still alive, strapped into her car seat in the back of the vehicle. Incredibly, they were able to quickly get the 1-year-old out of the car and pull the father’s body from the wreck just moments before the vehicle’s gas tank ignited and the entire thing exploded into flames.

The baby girl the men rescued was found to have suffered multiple broken bones and significant swelling of the brain. Amazingly, though, she is expected by medical professionals to make a full recovery. Stephen Hill, the man who managed to free her from her car seat, suffered significant burns on his arms, which were visible to reporters during interviews.

At present, the precise cause of the fiery crash is unknown, and the Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the incident. Whatever the case, friends and family of the Dufeks are grateful to the two men who saved the baby girl’s life and managed to salvage the father’s body. According to Hill and Nelson, they had almost waited until later to move the trailer. Had they done so, they may not have been present at just the right moment to save the child.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious car accident – especially if that loved one is a small child, as in this case – you may be dealing with significant medical bills, legal concerns, and mental and emotional stress. During this difficult time, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. For nearly 40 years, personal injury attorney James Cunningham has been helping victims of severe car accidents deal with their cases and fight for their legal rights. Contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to set up a free consultation today.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.