Mallon-Echols first helped the two teenagers escape the vehicle before turning his attention to the driver. The situation became even more dangerous when flames began spreading underneath the driver’s seat.

Sometimes courage arrives before there is time to think about it. For Jameson Mallon-Echols, a routine drive in Houston turned into a life-or-death rescue when he watched a car lose control, cross the median and crash. According to a report by KOTA Territory, Mallon-Echols, a junior mechanical engineering student at South Dakota Mines and captain of its football team, was driving to a friend’s house on June 11 when he witnessed the accident. He immediately pulled over, called 911 and ran towards the wreck. As per the report, three teenagers were inside the vehicle, including the 16-year-old driver, who was seriously injured and trapped, while the two other passengers needed help getting out. Scroll down to read this story of bravery.

Into the burning car

According to the online report, Mallon-Echols first helped the two teenagers escape the vehicle before turning his attention to the driver. The situation became even more dangerous when flames began spreading underneath the driver’s seat. With the teenager still trapped, Mallon-Echols used his shirt in an attempt to smother the flames. Another man at the scene managed to release the driver’s seat belt, allowing the two men to concentrate on getting the injured teenager out, the report states. The rescue required more than simply pulling him free. Pieces of metal were holding the teenager inside the wreckage, and the men had to remove them before they could extract him. They eventually managed to free the teenager and carry him across the road, putting distance between him and the burning vehicle. Within moments, the car was engulfed in flames.Paramedics arrived and took the injured teenager to hospital. Mallon-Echols remained at the scene into the early hours of the morning, assisting police and answering questions about what he had witnessed, the online report adds.

Honoured in Rapid City

Months later, the rescue was recognised far from the Texas road where it happened, the latest report states. The Rapid City Common Council honoured Mallon-Echols with an Act of Heroism Award, recognising his actions during the crash. The award was presented by Ward 5 Councilwoman Laura Armstrong. The recognition also marked Mallon-Echols as the recipient of Rapid City’s first Hometown Hero award, highlighting an act of courage that extended well beyond his role as a student and athlete.

More than a football captain

At South Dakota Mines, Mallon-Echols is known as a football captain and mechanical engineering student. His actions in Houston, however, offered a different glimpse of the qualities he brings beyond the field. The rescue demanded quick judgment, physical effort and composure in an increasingly dangerous situation. Rather than waiting for emergency responders to arrive, he stepped towards the wreck and remained involved until the injured teenager had been taken to safety.South Dakota Mines President Brian Tande, head football coach Charlie Flohr and athletic director David Crum were among those present for the award presentation. For Rapid City, the honour was not simply about one dramatic moment. It was a recognition of the instinct to help when circumstances are frightening and uncertain.Images Courtesy: istock and KOTA Territory