NSP awards man for saving woman from burning vehicle

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska State Patrol awarded the Citizen Life Saver Award to Riley Butts for saving a woman from a burning vehicle last May.

“This is a story that certainly could have had a different ending,” said Captain Dain Hicks, Commander of Troop B. “Without the quick and heroic actions taken by Riley, a family would have lost a loved one.”

NSP says Butts saved the woman after she suffered a medical episode while driving on Highway 81 near Madison and crashed her car into a tree.

The car then caught on fire, according to NSP.

Photo of crash. Courtesy of NSP.

Butts noticed the crash and alerted 911 before running to the burning car.  Witnesses say Butts broke a side window to get inside the car and unlocked the doors.

Butts was then able to pull the woman out of the vehicle before the car became fully engulfed in flames.  Witnesses reported an explosion shortly after.

“I made sure there was nobody else in the vehicle, broke out the back window, so we were able to open the front door and pull her to safety,” said Butts. “I hope if anybody sees anything like that, they would try to pull over and help the most they can.”

The woman was eventually taken to Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Riley acted without hesitation to help a complete stranger who was in immediate danger,” said Captain Hicks. “He undoubtedly saved a life that day. It is our privilege to present this award and to thank him to his heroism.”