Trapped Inside Burning Car

An East Hampton Town police officer rescued a 21-year-old man from inside a burning car after he hit a tree in Springs in the early morning hours on Nov. 15. 

Police received a report of a vehicle fire on Springs-Fireplace Road, just north of Shadom Lane, with an occupant still inside at about 2:30 a.m. Officer Michael A. Gomez found Pedro J. Palaciosbedoya, the driver, inside the 2011 Nissan sedan, which had a fire under the hood. One of his legs was fractured, the accident report said. 

The officer removed the driver’s seat belt and pulled him from the car. Meanwhile, Officer Juan Buitrago used an extinguisher to put out the flames. 

A Springs Fire Department engine responded to ensure the fire was out, according to Chief Ryan Balnis. The department’s ambulance personnel treated Mr. Palaciosbedoya and transported him to East Hampton Airport to a waiting 

medevac helicopter that flew him to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. 

Chief Balnis said it was a serious accident, calling the driver “very lucky.”

According to the accident report, speed was a factor. Only one vehicle was involved, and there were no passengers.

Also on Nov. 15, a bicyclist was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital for multiple injuries. She was treated and released days later. 

Town police said Katherine Persky, 61, of Manhattan was riding north on the shoulder of Route 114 in East Hampton when she was hit by a car that was traveling in the same direction at about 12:45 p.m. Brad Beyer, 67, who has a post office box in Bridgehampton, told police he took his eyes off the road for just a moment. 

No tickets were issued and no charges were filed. A hospital spokeswoman said Ms. Persky was discharged, but offered no further information.