3 critically injured in fiery Pulaski crash

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Three people were critically injured in a multi-vehicle crash on South Pulaski in Archer Heights that caused one vehicle to drive off a bridge and burst into flames.

Police say a car was driving at a high rate of speed northbound on Pulaski around 5:10 a.m., weaving in and out of traffic, when it crossed the center line and struck another vehicle. The striking vehicle went over a bridge and burst into flames. Two additional vehicles were struck.

Two civilian passersby - one a Desert Storm veteran -pulled the driver and passenger from the burning car, according to police.

"The driver of the van was just sitting down. The passenger actually didn't have a seatbelt on so we actually found him in the trunk, and between all six of us we took him out," said Mauricio Pizano.

The driver of the car was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, while the passenger was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.

The driver of the car that was struck was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

The drivers of the two other involved vehicles refused treatment at the scene.

Pulaski was temporarily shut down between 39th and 40th as police investigated, but the road has since reopened.