Strangers Lift Car To Rescue Elderly Woman Pinned Underneath

January 13, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Lawrence, Massachusetts.

In an incredible act of bravery and kindness, strangers and law enforcement teamed up to rescue 73-year-old Zoa Mendez after a terrifying accident left her pinned beneath her car.

strangers lift car off woman
Credit: NBC10 Boston

The incident occurred Thursday afternoon while Mendez was making flower deliveries. Her car, accidentally left in drive, rolled onto her, trapping her beneath its weight. Caught on video, the rescue unfolded in a dramatic and heartwarming fashion.

“She was screaming for help and grabbing onto my leg, and I was just trying to lift the car,” recalled Elvis Burgos, one of the heroic bystanders. Witnesses described the scene as a team effort, with several good Samaritans working together to lift nearly half of the car.

“They were just lifting the car, almost half of it to the top,” said one eyewitness. “A lot of people helped her. I don’t know what would have happened if she didn’t have anyone to help.”

Thanks to their swift and selfless actions, Mendez was freed and rushed to the hospital. While she sustained injuries to her legs, officials report that she is expected to recover.

Watch the rescue here: