Police officers and about six bystanders lifted a Volkswagen Beetle to free a 44-year-old e-bike rider trapped beneath the vehicle after a crash in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. The woman was injured Monday morning at an intersection along Route 420 and was later taken to Lankenau Hospital for surgery. Body camera and surveillance footage captured the rescue, which involved strangers working with officers to raise the car and pull her to safety.
Authorities said the woman suffered several broken bones, including a broken collarbone, but survived the collision. Police said the Volkswagen driver is not facing charges, while the e-bike rider could receive a traffic citation after the investigation is completed.
Prospect Park Police Chief Dave Madonna praised the people who responded and expressed concern about what he described as an increase in e-bike crashes.
| 1) | Crash leaves e-bike rider pinned beneath a Volkswagen |
| 2) | Bystanders and officers carry out an urgent rescue |
| 3) | Witnesses describe the moments after the collision |
| 4) | Police assess speed, helmet use and potential citations |
| 5) | Woman undergoes surgery as investigation continues |
Crash leaves e-bike rider pinned beneath a Volkswagen
The crash occurred Monday morning on a busy section of Route 420 in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. Police said the 44-year-old woman was riding an e-bike when she collided with a Volkswagen Beetle at an intersection. The impact left her trapped underneath the car, prompting an immediate response from nearby bystanders and police officers.
Chief Dave Madonna said the woman appeared to have been traveling faster than conditions warranted. He estimated that she was riding at more than 20 mph and said she was not wearing a helmet. Madonna also said he believed she had been attempting to overtake vehicles while traveling to an appointment.
Bystanders and officers carry out an urgent rescue
Police body camera footage and surveillance video show people moving toward the crash shortly after it happened. About six bystanders joined officers in lifting the Volkswagen high enough to create space beneath the vehicle. They then pulled the woman free and placed her on the ground to limit movement while emergency assistance continued.
The rescue depended on coordinated action between the officers and people who had stopped nearby. Prospect Park authorities later identified the group as ordinary members of the public who intervened before the injured rider could be removed from the danger area. Madonna called the rescuers heroes and visited them afterward to thank them.
Witnesses describe the moments after the collision
FedEx driver Carl Wise said he responded after hearing a call for help. He described joining the group that lifted the Volkswagen and helped remove the rider.
“Got a yell to help, ran over. We lifted the Volkswagen Beetle up, pulled the girl out and pushed her to the ground so she wouldn’t move, that’s all,” Wise said.
Wise rejected praise for his role, saying he had simply acted when he saw someone in need. Local business owner Chrissy Vollmer, who also responded, said she initially saw the woman’s legs beneath the car and heard her calling for help.
“All I saw were the lady’s legs underneath the car, and she was just yelling, ‘Get this car off of me,’” Vollmer said.
Police assess speed, helmet use and potential citations
Madonna said the rider’s estimated speed, the road conditions and the absence of a helmet would be considered as authorities review the collision. He said he believed the woman had been moving too fast for the time of day and the road she was using.
The Volkswagen driver has not been charged. Police said the e-bike rider could receive a traffic citation, but any decision will depend on the outcome of the investigation. No final determination about potential violations was announced.
The chief also raised broader concerns about what he described as an increase in e-bike crashes and questioned how many further incidents would occur before action was taken.
“How many more tragedies do we have to see before some type of action is taken?” Madonna said.
Woman undergoes surgery as investigation continues
The injured woman was transported to Lankenau Hospital after being freed from beneath the car. Authorities said she suffered several broken bones and underwent surgery for a broken collarbone and other injuries.
The rescue footage provides a visual account of how quickly the response developed, from bystanders rushing toward the vehicle to the group lifting it and removing the rider. The investigation remains focused on the circumstances of the collision, including the rider’s speed, route and possible traffic violations.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A 44-year-old e-bike rider was pinned beneath a Volkswagen Beetle in Prospect Park. |
| 2 | About six bystanders and police officers lifted the vehicle and freed her. |
| 3 | The woman suffered several broken bones and underwent hospital surgery. |
| 4 | Police said the Volkswagen driver is not facing charges. |
| 5 | A traffic citation for the e-bike rider remains possible pending the investigation. |
Summary
A coordinated effort by police and bystanders freed an injured e-bike rider from beneath a Volkswagen after a Pennsylvania crash. The woman survived and received surgery, while investigators continue to assess the collision and whether a citation is warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the crash happen?
The crash happened at an intersection along Route 420 in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania.
Who helped free the injured rider?
Police officers and about six bystanders worked together to lift the Volkswagen and pull the woman out.
What injuries did the woman suffer?
Authorities said she suffered several broken bones, including a broken collarbone, and underwent surgery at Lankenau Hospital.
Will anyone receive a citation?
Police said the Volkswagen driver is not facing charges, while the e-bike rider could receive a traffic citation after the investigation.
