(OVID TOWNSHIP) – A witness to a two vehicle crash put out a fire while a passenger was still in one of the autos.

Branch County Sheriff John Pollack says his department was called to Old 27 north of Pearl Road just before 7 AM Tuesday for a crash.

Deputies determined that 62 year old James Davies of Coldwater was driving north in a pick up and stopped for a school bus that was picking up students. Davies’ vehicle was struck from behind by an SUV, driven by 31 year old David Sherrick of Homer.

The force of the crash caused Sherrick’s SUV to catch on fire. His passenger, 39 year old Teresa Walters of Reading, was trapped inside the vehicle. Deputies say a witness to the incident grabbed a fire extinguisher and put out the fire in the SUV’s engine compartment, which according to authorities possibly saved Walters’ life.

The Lakeland Fire Department also responded to the scene, and used the Jaws Of Life to free Walters from the SUV.

Both Sherrick and Walters were transported to ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital’s emergency room to be treated for their injuries. Everyone in the vehicles were wearing their safety belts and airbags in both vehicles did activate.

Also assisting at the scene was the Coldwater Fire Department along with Life Care Ambulance, and the Michigan State Police. The crash is still being investigated.