One man was killed and two more were trapped in a burning truck Friday night. But thanks to Marty Evans and others, they were able to survive.
Two days after seeing a horrific crash and helping at the scene, Marty Evans of Hop Bottom is just glad he was even there to begin with.
"We were going along and I heard this horrendous bang, I looked out the window and I saw the car behind us and the one passing us hit head on," said Evans.
He was unknowingly on his way to a surprise 40th birthday party for him when the wreck happened. A car crossed the center line on Route 106 near Clifford and slammed into a truck.
State police said the driver of the car, Zachary Dayton, died at the scene.
Two other men were in that truck and Evans knew he and others had to act fast.
"The guy that was driving the SUV had his wits about him, all of a sudden this engine compartment burst into flames."
Evans remembers taking his coat off and trying to put out the fire. When that didn't work, he started shoveling dirt onto the flaming engine.
"I remember the driver saying don't let us burn up, I said you'll be fine. The fire trucks came and ambulances faded into the darkness after that."
The two men in that truck, Robert Swingle and Sean Burnham, both of Carbondale, were eventually taken to the hospital to be treated for their injuries.
Both me, living testaments to the quick action from complete strangers, like Marty Evans.
"It was more instinct. I wasn't afraid, I was right in the engine compartment trying to stuff it out, I didn't want to see those guys burn up, afraid for them. I'm just glad I could do something to help them."
Evans says there was a reason he and others were there to help out.
There is no word on the conditions of the two passengers.
Troopers are investigating the cause of that deadly wreck in Susquehanna County.