The Nebraska State Patrol on Tuesday presented a Public Service Award to Frank Axiotes for his heroic efforts to save two people from a burning vehicle after a crash on Interstate 80 in Lincoln last year.
It happened September 25, 2020, near mile marker 403 in Lincoln. Axiotes was eastbound on I-80 when he witnessed the three-vehicle crash in the westbound lanes. Axiotes pulled over, ran across the eastbound lanes and began attempts to assist those involved in the crash, which caused a fire that spread among the vehicles.
Axiotes ran to a Chevrolet Trailblazer that was pinned between a semi and the jersey barrier. He was able to safely help remove a 9-year-old boy from the back of the vehicle. He and another witness then worked together to break a window to get the boy’s sister, 21 year old Maddie Daly, out of the vehicle after she had been trapped inside.
“I just heard screaming and people telling me to get out and I didn’t know what was happening,” Daly said during Tuesday’s presentation. “I turned around and I saw my whole back end of my car in flames and that is when Frank stepped in and it was like a superhero movie. He jumped on top of the car and started punching in the windshield. I don’t want to think about what would happen if he wasn’t there to help.”
Axiotes said he just stepped into action and didn’t even think. “I am so glad that they are okay and were able to walk away from that. You look back at the pictures and think back at the day and thank God he was looking out for us.”
Four people ended up being taken to the hospital with minor injuries thanks to the quick actions of Mr. Axiotes and other witnesses.
“This is just a small token of our appreciation as an agency for what you did for them,” Sgt. Jason Stahl told Axiotes as he presented him with the citizen award.. “I personally want to thank you for saving their lives on that particular day.”
