Good Samaritan saves driver after crash in St. Mary’s

(ST. MARY’S, Ind.) – A local dispatcher is praising a Batesville man for his life-saving actions following a car crash last week.

Robert Chamblin was driving on St. Mary’s Road near County Road 1575 North around 2:45 p.m. last Friday. 

He saw an oncoming vehicle lose control and flip several times.

“The car went airborne and I was still a few hundred yards away but I knew it wasn’t good,” Chamblin recalled. 

Chamblin immediately called 9-1-1 and then parked his vehicle to block off the road before he ran toward the car.

The car had flames coming from the engine and Chamblin knew every second counted. 

He stayed on the phone with 9-1-1 as he attempted to pull the trapped driver from the vehicle. 

Chamblin was able to help the man out of the vehicle, just moments before it went up in flames. 

The victim was then rushed to a local hospital for further treatment. 

Ripley County dispatcher Tim Costello is praising Chamblin and says his actions contributed to the man being alive today.

“Mr. Chamblin's actions were selfless and inspiring as he unquestionably entered a dangerous situation without hesitation and executed a rescue, likely saving a man's life,” said Dispatcher Tim Costello. 

“I feel it is essential for people who are willing to risk injury to aid strangers to be recognized for their heroism,” Costello added. 

Chamblin is honored to be recognized by the dispatcher but added that he was just doing what he felt was right. 

“My only concern was getting the victim away from the vehicle before it went up in flames,” he said. “I would think anybody would help someone in that situation.”

Chamblin works for a highway construction company and learned some of the life-saving skills from teaching a safety class at work.