A Good Samaritan is being hailed as a hero for unconsciously diving off an Ocean City, Maryland highway bridge this past Sunday to save a 2-year-old girl who was ejected from her vehicle after it was involved in a five car crash.
The rescuer, who was a few vehicles behind the accident and wishes to remain anonymous, dove approximately 25 feet into the water to rescue the infant who’s car was teetering over the guardrail. Firefighters immediately secured the vehicle as they arrived at the scene.
A family who was boating nearby saw what had transpired and quickly assisted the man and infant into their boat and took them to a nearby boat ramp where paramedics were waiting.
Joe Oertel, the man who owns the boat, said “Seconds counted in this rescue! Unbelievable that the Hero who jumped probably didn’t know that the bay is only 4’-5’ deep in that area.”
The infant was transported by helicopter to John Hopkins Children’s Hospital and is in stable condition. According to reports seven others involved in the accident were transported to by ground to various hospitals.
Assistant Chief of the Ocean City fire department James L. Jester said the anonymous hero “obviously” has “hero blood in him.”