3 injured in fiery, wrong-way wreck

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (WSVN) -- Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that caused a car to burst into flames and sent three people to the hospital.

FHP said 23-year-old Nicole Herrera was driving the wrong way on Interstate 95 when she crashed head-on with another vehicle, very early Thursday morning. "About 3:18 this morning, we had a red vehicle that was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-95, in the area of Hollywood Boulevard," said FHP Sergeant Mark G. Wysocky. "The vehicle continued northbound where it was struck head-on by another vehicle."

Juan Restrepo saw the accident unfold. "I was approaching the Hollywood exit when I saw a red vehicle coming on to me," said Restrepo. "I was going southbound, and she was going north on the southbound lane."

Restrepo was driving a private ambulance and moved out of Herrera's way. He said he got off the highway and turned back to help her. "You know eventually she was going to hit someone," said Restrepo.

Herrera wound up hitting a PT Cruiser with two women inside. Restrepo said he saw the smoke and rushed to get Herrera out of the car. His partner pulled the other two women out. "I brought my stretcher out, grabbed the patient, opened the door and grabbed her out," he said, "and the other car just lit up on fire. Fire all over the place."

All three women were transported to Memorial Regional Hospital. Wysocky said, "Very fortunate that no one was killed in this crash. One contributing factor was all three people appeared to be wearing seat belts."

"I had to think quick, and the little bit of training that I got, got around and hopefully she'll be alright," said Restrepo.

Herrera is in serious condition. The other two women continue to recover.

FHP continues to investigate.

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