RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Bedford County man is being praised by his community for pulling a driver to safety after a fiery crash along I-24 East over the weekend.

Mikel Lessary was heading home when he spotted a vehicle on fire in the woods near the 74-mile marker in Rutherford County. Authorities said the car had left the roadway and ignited after crashing.

“I don’t see anyone as I was passing the vehicle, and that’s what made me stop initially,” Lessary said. “I thought someone was inside the vehicle and really hurt.”

Lessary said he didn’t hesitate. He pulled over and ran toward the smoke.

“As I’m running towards the vehicle, I see the older man near it…and he collapsed to the ground, so I ran to him,” he said.

Lessary said the driver was severely injured and struggling

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