BELLINGHAM, MA — A Bellingham police officer pulled a trapped driver from a burning vehicle moments before it became fully engulfed in flames following a crash on Farm Street on March 20, 2026.
Bellingham Police and Fire responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash into a utility pole at approximately 5:44 p.m., with the vehicle on fire and the operator trapped inside.
Officer Ryan Gonthier arrived to find a burning vehicle and downed live electrical wires across the roadway.
Gonthier retrieved a fire extinguisher and approached the vehicle, navigating around the live wires and heavy smoke.
After attempting to suppress the fire, he removed the operator through a damaged window with the assistance of bystanders Matthew Hunt and John Mercier.
Moments after the rescue, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.
The operator was moved to a safe location and evaluated on scene by the Bellingham Fire Department.
Police Chief Kenneth Fitzgerald commended Gonthier for his decisive actions under dangerous conditions, noting that his response directly contributed to saving the operator’s life.
Bellingham Fire Chief William Miller also formally commended Gonthier for his quick thinking and actions, noting that the response likely prevented a fatal outcome.
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle lost control prior to striking the utility pole.
The operator will be issued a criminal summons for charges including negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding greater than reasonable and proper, and a marked lanes violation.
The operator will be required to appear in court at a later date.
The incident remains under investigation.
