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Seminole County deputy suffered medical episode prior to fiery crash, deputies say

SANFORD, Fla. — An Orlando Fire lieutenant is credited with saving a Seminole County deputy seconds before his cruiser burst into flames Saturday morning.

Deputies said that SCSO deputy Matthew Luxon suffered a medical emergency which they believe caused him to crash into a concrete pillar.

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According to a tweet from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Luxon underwent successful surgeries and is currently in stable condition.

Deputies said Luxon has a long recovery ahead of him and expressed their gratitude for Lt. Benjamin Wootson’s quick thinking and action.

Investigators said Luxon crashed his patrol car into an overpass bridge around 10:30 a.m. near Orange Boulevard and Wayside Drive in Sanford.

The Orlando Fire Department said a lieutenant was driving his son to a soccer game when he saw the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office deputy crash into the bridge.

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Florida Highway Patrol said that at some point, the deputy’s vehicle crossed over the center line onto the southbound paved shoulder.

According to a news release, the car ignited and caught on fire after the SUV struck a bridge support.

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The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deputy was not on his way to a call or responding to anything when he crashed.

Orlando Firefighter Lt. Wootson, who was off-duty, stopped his personal vehicle and pulled the deputy out of his patrol car.

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Investigators said Orange Boulevard was shut down for several hours while they processed the scene.

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