Family and friends gathered at the Nelson RCMP detachment June 9 to recognize several of our community members for their heroic lifesaving actions on Sept. 5, 2024.
On the morning of that day the RCMP received a report of a motor vehicle accident on Highway 3A outside of Nelson. Police later learned that the vehicle, driven by Sean Elias, who was 20 years old at the time, lost control and veered off the roadway, collided with a large rock, then flipped over, coming to a stop right side up.
Colby Weinrauch was driving in the area when he observed smoke and flames coming from the roadside. He initially thought there was a bush fire but soon realized there was a vehicle on fire. Colby called 911, then took action to rescue the driver from the burning vehicle. He used a rock to smash out the driver’s side back window, which was the only access point accessible to him. John Usipuik arrived on scene and assisted Colby with pulling Sean to safety.
Sara Cuthbert and Hannah Corfe were driving to their nursing practicum in Nelson on this day and came across the collision. Sara and Hannah pulled over and provided first aid and helped stabilize Sean until first responders arrived. Sean was unconscious following the collision and sustained significant injuries.
Nelson RCMP detachment commander Corp. Derek Pitt presented Weinrauch, Usipuik, Cuthbert and Corfe with the Saint John’s Ambulance Life Saving Awards. Elias and his mother Kathleen attended the ceremony to show their appreciation.
