Police Make Heroic Rescue from Burning Vehicle in Mamaroneck

Written By: Robert Cox

MAMARONECK, NY — Two people are lucky to be alive after the vehicle they were traveling in on Route 1 crashed into a utility pole and burst into flames.

One person was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, according Lt. James Maher of the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department.

The family of the deceased, Veronica Diaz, 21, has set up a GoFundMe page.

The incident took place around 2:37 a.m., Sunday, April 11, in front of 1395 West Boston Post Road in the town of Mamaroneck.

Village of Mamaroneck Police Officers were conducting a traffic stop on West Boston Post Road when a vehicle, a 2003 Honda Accord, traveling at a high rate of speed, passed them and crashed a short distance up the road, said Lt. Maher.

The officers immediately responded to the scene and observed a vehicle on fire with occupants trapped inside of the vehicle.

Town of Mamaroneck Police Department Officers, along with members of the Larchmont Police Department, the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department, and Westchester County Police Department, and a civilian worked to remove the occupants from the burning vehicle.

The two surviving occupants were treated at the scene and transported by Larchmont VAC and Mamaroneck EMS to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. They are both listed in critical condition.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed.

The identities of the victims are being withheld pending positive identification and notification to next of kin, Maher said.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department at 913-381-7889.

UPDATED 4/15: New Rochelle man credited for helping rescue driver of deadly Mamaroneck crash