LAKOTA, Iowa — A man from Lakota successfully rescued two teenage brothers from a burning vehicle following a train collision on July 14.
According to authorities, the incident occurred when Alex Horak, 33, noticed a stopped train while driving home from work. He spotted a mangled car approximately 12 feet from the roadway, which had been hit by the train. Inside were two boys, aged 12 and 16.
Witnesses reported that just moments after Horak arrived at the scene, the vehicle ignited near the stopped train, which was carrying ethanol. Horak immediately acted to rescue the brothers, stating, “I couldn't leave the kids in there.”
Kossuth County Sheriff Roger Fisher commended Horak for his swift actions, emphasizing that they likely prevented critical injuries or fatalities. “By him removing those boys from the vehicle, I have no doubt that he saved them from either very critical burns or possibly even death,” Fisher said.
The teenagers have been hospitalized in Minnesota, suffering head and upper-body injuries. They have undergone multiple surgeries as part of their recovery process.
In the coming weeks, the Kossuth County Sheriff's Office plans to hold a ceremony to honor Horak and two emergency communications operators for their roles in the rescue.