Good Samaritans ‘Crawled Through the Smoke’ to Save Elderly Bedridden Woman from Burning Building

An elderly, bedridden woman was rescued from her burning apartment in Woburn, Massachusetts, thanks to the quick actions of two Good Samaritans, authorities said.

According to the Woburn Fire Department, firefighters were called to the Bradford Arms Condos on North Warren Street around 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8. Upon arrival, they found two men and a woman standing on a second-floor balcony. The fire had originated in the woman’s apartment.

Fire officials said the two men entered her bedroom, pulled her to safety, and brought her out onto the balcony before emergency responders reached the scene.

“Firefighters from E2 [Engine 2] threw a ground ladder, carried her down, and she was transported to the hospital,” the department said.

The woman’s current condition has not been disclosed. Both men were also taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

Witnesses told WFXT they heard the woman crying out for help from inside her unit when the fire broke out.

“Some people that got out on this side heard through the open window the woman in there who’s bedridden asking for help,” tenant Michael Meschisen told the outlet.

Neighbors recalled seeing thick black smoke pouring from the apartment. They used the light from their smartphones to guide the two men as they searched inside, WCVB reported.

Woburn Fire Capt. Bill Stukey praised the men for their bravery.

“A couple of the guys were able to get up onto the porch, get in through the slider,” Stukey told WFXT. “They went in the back and crawled through the smoke and actually dragged her out. They did a good job.”

The Woburn Fire Department confirmed the blaze was brought under control. The cause remains under investigation.