Santa helps out after car crash

COPPELL, Texas, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- A Texas Santa Claus who pulled a man from a vehicle before it exploded said he was on his way to deliver toys to needy families.

Brad Luddeke, a former volunteer firefighter, was photographed directing traffic in a Santa suit Tuesday after pulling a man from his burning car following a two-car collision at the corner of Interstate 635 and Belt Line Road in Coppell, WFAA-TV, Dallas/Fort Worth, reported Wednesday.

"As soon as I grabbed his jacket and pulled him away, I said, 'Your car's on fire,'" Luddeke said. "We turned to leave, and I guess the battery exploded. And that's when everything went up."

Luddeke, who lost his 17-year-old son in an automobile crash seven years ago, said he will still be delivering the toys.

"Santa won't be late this year kids," he said. "Santa was just helping out when needed."