Hamburg Police saved man's life

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - A man is alive Monday night, thanks to a pair of Hamburg's finest who saved him from a fiery wreck.

It's hard to believe David Morga survived; but it is only because two police lieutenants were at the intersection of Camp Road and Southwestern Boulevard when a pick up truck crashed into a car which then burst into flames.

Hamburg Police Department Lieutenant Mike Lavalle said, "...and the gas was right inside the compartment where that guy was, so he was just sitting in a ball of flames."

Lt. Mike Lavalle and Lt. Pete Dienes rushed to the scene but they couldn't see 45-year-old Morga.

Lt. Lavalle said, "I got to the side of the car, got the door opened and it was pretty much just a wall of flames; tried to get in twice to get him out, and the flames just pushed me back."

But they didn't give up.

Lt. Lavalle said, "...just started yelling, the both of us, saying 'get out of the car, get out of the car,' finally just saw a leg come out of the passenger compartment and I just reached in, grabbed him and threw him onto the ground."

Lt. Lavalle took off his leather coat and used it to extinguish the flames on Morga who has burns on more than 30 percent of his body.

The only reason they were here is because of his partner, Lt. Dienes.

"He had forgotten his gloves. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been there."

Lt. Dienes said, "We just hope he does well."

David Morga is in critical condition at Erie County Medical Center.

26-year-old James Brand is charged with DWI and Vehicular Assault. He suffered minor injuries and will be back in court later this month.

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Town of Hamburg Police are crediting two Hamburg Police Lt's with saving the life of a Hamburg man when his vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle at the intersection of Camp Rd and Southwestern Blvd.

The vehicle burst into flames after it was struck. The accident happened around 10:10 PM at the intersection of Camp Rd and Rt. 20 in the town.

Police Lt's Mike Lavelle and Pete Dienes were sitting at the intersection when they witnessed a pick up truck, driven by James Brand age 26 from Hamburg. The two police lieutenants witnessed the Morga vehicle burst in into flames after the accident.

As the two officers approached the burning vehicle, they noticed that David Morga was unable to get out. The officers were able to get the door open and pull Morga out after several attempts. Morga's clothes were on fire while he was being pulled out. He was taken to Erie County Medical Center where his condition is critical. It is reported that he has burns over 30 percent of his body.

The two officers received minor injuries and remained on duty. The operator of the pick up truck, James Brand, received minor injuries. He was charged with DWI and Vehicular Assault. He is being held without bail pending his arraignment. The accident continues to be under investigation.