Fiery Crash Injures 2: Samaritan Credited for Fast Response

NEENAH, WI- (WISS) – A fiery crash led to a rescue in subzero temperatures in Neenah last night when a vehicle ran off the road and flipped on its side. 

Neenah Police say they were called to the 1300 block of Gillingham Road last night at about 9:40 p.m. for the report of a single-vehicle accident with injuries. At the time of the call, the temperature was 8 degrees below zero.

Police say the crash happened when a vehicle left the roadway, struck a fire hydrant, went down an embankment, struck a tree, spun violently, and then landed on its side. A nearby Neenah resident, 30-year-old Tanner Ater, heard the crash and went outside, where he heard the passenger scream for help and saw the car on its side, smoking. 

Ater grabbed a fire extinguisher and rushed to the accident scene. He used the extinguisher on the engine compartment and helped the passenger climb out of the window and off the car, fighting through heavy smoke. 

A Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputy was the first law enforcement officer on the scene. Together, the Deputy and Ater helped the driver out of the car as the engine compartment reignited and became engulfed in flames. 

The driver and the passenger were taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries. 

The Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue extinguished the blaze. 

Neenah Police thanked the citizen who helped law enforcement in a social media post this morning. 

“We are thankful to the Winnebago County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue, and Gold Cross Ambulance for their assistance on scene. Neenah Main Auto Body Inc. Towing should also be thanked as they came out in the harsh conditions and were able to extricate the vehicle from a difficult spot.” City of Neenah, Wisconsin Police Department wrote on their post. “And… A VERY SPECIAL “Thank you!” to the courageous Neenah resident who rushed to help.”