ABSECON, N.J., April 7 (UPI) -- Two Good Samaritans and a New Jersey state trooper are being credited with acting quickly to save four people whose car overturned in a retention pond.
The car's driver, 19-year-old Army Reservist Bryan Marticorena, had lost control while driving along Route 30 in Absecon, N.J., about 5 p.m. Friday and crashed into the pond.
"As soon as we hit the water the car was just done," Marticorena said. "It just filled up with water quick."
Luis and Debra Roselli of Gibbsboro, N.J., and Trooper Jaime Ablett sprung into action when they saw the vehicle go into the water, WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, reported.
While Marticorena, his 21-year-old sister, Carmen Valdivieso, and his two friends, James Taylor, 22, and John Taylor, 19, were trapped.
"When the water settled, I saw four tires sticking up out of the water," said Luis Roselli, who swam to the car along with Ablett.
"People were grabbing me for dear life."
"They were shivering and their skin color was blue," Ablett said.
Roselli used a knife to cut the seat belt holding Valdivieso and he and Ablett pulled her to land.
Roselli said one of the other two victims was unconscious when they brought him to land.
"That's when I called for my wife for CPR," he said.
"I ran over and gave him CPR," Debra Roselli said. "He started gasping and he was awake."
All four victims were taken to a hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Marticorena expressed his gratitude to the three heroes.
"Thank you for everything," he said. "I just appreciate everything. It was really like a miracle."
