Good Samaritan who aided teens from burning vehicle says he'd do it 'a thousand times'

A Good Samaritan who helped rescue two teenagers from a burning vehicle following a fiery crash on the Isle of Palms Connector says he would not hesitate to do it again. "I would do it a thousand times, over and over again," Alberto Ortega told News 4 in an exclusive interview. The three-vehicle crash happened just after 8:19 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026, on the Isle of Palms Connector, according to the Mount Pleasant Police Department. Investigators said a 16-year-old driving a Ford F-150 crossed the double yellow line and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. A third driver swerved into the barrier in an attempt to avoid the crash. One of the vehicles rolled onto its side and caught fire, trapping occupants inside. Ortega was driving to work when he came upon the crash. "In my mind, it happened like a movie. It was astonishing," Ortega said. "For a moment, I had to stop the car to see what the situation was and what was really happening." He said his first instinct was to help. "As soon as I stepped out of the car, I ran to the car that the lady was in," Ortega said. "It was like a quick movie, and at first I didn't know what to do." RELATED READING | "16-year-old cited for fiery crash on Isle of Palms Connector." Ortega began trying to break the truck's windows to free the trapped teenagers before first responders arrived. Although he initially believed he was alone, he said others quickly joined the rescue effort. "It was more of a community effort," Ortega said. "At the moment, I thought I was the only one there, but everything happened so quickly. Other people started to come help, and I am very thankful because they risked a lot." He said several people attempted to smash the vehicle's windows but couldn't break them. "Then I got the idea to climb on top of the driver's door," Ortega said. According to Mount Pleasant police, another driver involved in the crash also acted quickly by using tow straps to stabilize the burning vehicle and prevent it from shifting while a driver remained trapped inside. Firefighters later extricated the trapped driver before EMS transported three people to the hospital. During the rescue, Ortega suffered injuries himself. "When I climbed onto the car to get one of the boys out, the fire was getting stronger," Ortega said. "When one of the teenagers got out, I tried to jump out of the car, but my foot got stuck. I was so scared, but I was able to pull my foot out and jump." He said he didn't immediately realize how badly he had been injured. "At the moment of the accident, I was losing a lot of blood," Ortega said. "The kids were taken in the ambulance, and I drove myself to the nearest hospital." Despite needing stitches, Ortega said helping those trapped inside was never a question. "I think life doesn't have a price," he said. "I still think every person in my situation would do the same. We should really help people who are in need or are in a moment of danger." Ortega also reflected on why he believes he was there that morning. "I think that situation at some point wasn't a coincidence," he said. "I also think God put me on that path." Since the crash, Ortega said the families of the teenagers reached out to thank him for his actions. "The family got a hold of me and said they were very, very thankful," Ortega said. "I thank God I was there in that moment." He said they even offered to help cover his medical expenses. Ortega hopes his actions inspire others to help when they are able. "There are standout people who are immigrants from Venezuela, as well as other nationalities," Ortega said. "It's good to stand out for good things." According to Mount Pleasant police, the teenage driver of the Ford F-150 was cited for reckless driving. The crash shut down the Isle of Palms Connector for several hours Friday morning while emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene. A GoFundMe has been created to help Alberto Ortega with his medical expenses. You can find more information and donate here.