'Utterly incredible': Internet’s hope in humanity restored as high school students lift car to rescue woman and child in Utah

LAYTON, UTAH: An astonishing rescue scene unfolded in a high school parking lot on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 5, when a group of teenagers got together to lift a vehicle and save a woman and her 2-year-old son trapped underneath.

The dramatic rescue, captured on video, occurred around 3.45 pm at Layton Christian Academy. According to authorities, the car's driver was momentarily blinded by the glare of the sun when it struck a mother, Bridgette Ponson, and her two children who were walking in the parking lot, as per USA Today.

School’s associate pastor mobilized students

While Ponson’s 3-year-old daughter was able to free herself after the collision, Ponson and her 2-year-old son remained pinned under the car. Hearing screams coming from the parking lot, the school’s associate pastor Chris Crowder ran over to investigate.

“I look under the car, and I see mom and child underneath the car pinned,” Crowder told local station KSLTV. “It was split second," he added.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Crowder rapidly mobilized the students. Within moments, about 20 teenagers surrounded the vehicle and heroically lifted it several inches off the ground.

As the teenagers raised the car just enough, Dominique Childress, a veteran who was at the school picking up his children, pulled the toddler and his mother from underneath to safety. Authorities said the boy’s face appeared purple when he was rescued but he was still breathing.

Bridgette Ponson and her children expected to make full recovery

Both Ponson and her daughter were rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Her toddler son was airlifted to a nearby children’s hospital for treatment. According to a GoFundMe campaign set up to assist with medical bills, neither child suffered serious injuries and they have both been released from the hospital.

Ponson underwent surgery this week for her injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

The courageous group of teenagers has earned widespread praise for their heroism. Childress commended their bravery, saying “they are the purest form of the word hero". Officials plan to honor the students for their quick thinking and selflessness.

Internet's faith in humanity restored

Video of the incredible rescue has gone viral, restoring the Internet’s faith in humanity. Viewers on Reddit have been awestruck by the students’ heroism.

“When I finished reading, I was so proud of these kids. I need more stories like this in my feed.” wrote one emotional user.

“This is the news I need to see more,” added another individual.

“The emergency services should give them all the scholarships. Well done folks,” suggested one user.

“Every now and then, a ray of hope peeks out from between the clouds of absolute despair to lighten my soul,” remarked a touched reader.

Summing up the overall reaction, another simply wrote: “Utterly incredible.”

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