Off-Duty Officers Pull Man From Burning Truck on I-35 Before Explosion

Overview

• A white Ford F-150 caught fire on southbound I-35 near the I-435 interchange and exploded seconds after rescuers removed the driver.
• KCPD Detective Jason Findley, who had just gotten off work, and off-duty Clay County Deputy Chase Blatt stopped and pulled the disoriented 70-year-old from the cab.
• The man was taken to a nearby hospital with burns to his legs and was described by officers as disoriented and experiencing a medical issue at the scene.
• The Clay County Sheriff’s Office released video and officer statements showing heavy black smoke, visible flames and flying debris as the rescuers moved the victim to safety.
• No cause for the fire has been reported and authorities have not provided an update on the driver’s condition, leaving public safety and investigation details to be followed next.