Fiery Crash in Battle Creek Sparks Heroic Rescue

A terrifying crash in quiet Battle Creek nearly turned deadly — until a group of everyday heroes jumped into action. They pulled a man from a burning car just moments before flames consumed the vehicle.

Chaos on Capital Avenue

On a chilly November evening, screeching tires and a deafening bang shattered the calm. Around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, a car slammed into a cement barrier along Capital Avenue Northeast. Flames erupted, trapping the driver inside.

Megan Waschak, an off-duty dispatcher for the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority, heard the crash outside her home. She ran toward the scene, spotting the car already engulfed in flames.

“You could hear the tires squeal and then the big bang,” Waschak recalled.

Neighbors Leap Into Action

At the wreck, a young man was already speaking frantically to the driver. But time was running out. The fire spread quickly, and the driver seemed confused and unaware of the danger.

Though bystanders were calling 911, Waschak and the stranger decided not to wait. “It was life over limb at that point. He was not trying to get out,” Waschak explained. “I don’t think he would have gotten out by himself.”

Together, they pulled the driver from the car. Moments later, neighbor Donovan Greer arrived to help move him farther from the flames.

“If something exploded, we were right in the line of it,” Waschak noted. “So, we had to move him back. That’s when Donovan came to help.”

A Witness Shines a Light

Battle Creek resident Robert Hegerberg had just left a Lions Club meeting when he saw the crash. He parked, directed traffic, and took photos. He was determined to make sure these heroes didn’t go unnoticed.

In the days that followed, Hegerberg contacted the city’s communications office, visited City Hall, and returned to the crash site to find the rescuers. Eventually, he connected with Waschak and later brought printed photos of the blazing scene to city officials.

Community Praises Everyday Heroes

On November 26, the City of Battle Creek posted a public thank-you on Facebook. The post celebrated Waschak’s bravery and Hegerberg’s persistence in sharing the story.

The tribute noted that as a dispatcher, Waschak is trained to guide others over the phone, not to enter burning wrecks. “Battle Creek is lucky to have neighbors like Megan, and bulldogs like Robert who refuse to let good deeds go unnoticed,” the post read.

City leaders are now working with the Battle Creek Police Department to recognize everyone involved. Citizen awards are in the works, and officials are identifying the third man who helped carry the driver to safety.

Mayor Hails Courage

Mayor Mark Behnke praised the rescuers, telling People, “Battle Creek is beautiful because of its people — neighbors who step up when it matters most. One act of kindness can ripple out in ways we may never see, but it makes our community stronger.”

He added, “Often those acts happen quietly. That’s why I’m grateful for good neighbors like Robert, who shine a light on the courage of Megan and Donovan. Their bravery reflects the very best of our city.”

A Community Inspired

The story quickly spread through Battle Creek. Residents flooded social media with admiration.

“What a beautiful story!!” one wrote. Another added, “Love to hear good news for a change.” A third said, “I’m so glad to see good community amplified.”

Thanks to the courage of Megan Waschak, Donovan Greer, and others — and Robert Hegerberg’s determination to spotlight their heroism — a potential tragedy became a story of everyday bravery.