VIDEO: Officers rescue man trapped inside a burning car in Tampa

Body camera footage shows Tampa police officers smashing the window on the driver’s side of the car before dragging the man to safety.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department released video Tuesday showing the moment officers sprang into action to rescue a man who was trapped inside a burning car.

Body camera footage shows officers running toward the car as a fire alarm goes off in a building nearby. Part of the car is engulfed in flames, sending a plume of smoke into the air.

In the video, officers smash the window on the driver’s side of the car before dragging the man out and taking him away from the scene. They eventually laid him down on a grassy area to make sure he was okay. 

The police department said the officers’ quick response “turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of survival.”

Crews from Tampa Fire Rescue were able to extinguish the fire, helping prevent further damage or injuries. 

The cause of the fire is unknown.