A three-car crash in Queens on Sunday morning sent one car flying onto a field where soldiers were training — and a group of reservists jumped into action to save lives.
The collision, that happened on the Cross Island Parkway at Northern Boulevard at 8:45 a.m., caused one car to go airborne and land on the Fort Totten running track where soldiers were training, according to Patrick Bishop, the spokesman for the Army Reserve.
Private Jody Card and specialist Michael Hercules, who were nearly hit by the airborne car, stayed calm and helped pull the passenger and driver out of the wreckage.
“As military members, it was second nature,” said Lewis. “The bottom line is all lives matter, and this proved it. You had every race, every creed, lending hands to their brothers and sisters.”
Twenty-four soldiers and one off-duty NYPD sergeant kicked into gear, administering first aid and calling 911. They also cut open the car’s hood so it didn’t catch fire and directed traffic at the scene.
One soldier, Megan Rueda, who is also a nurse, removed glass from one victim’s mouth.
“It was a miracle, it was a blessing, that no one was seriously injured,” said Lewis. “As military members, it reminds us to always be ready, willing, and able to assist whenever possible.”
Three people, including two from the car that landed on the track, were taken to North Shore Hospital in stable condition, authorities said.