A fiery weekend crash that killed a 17-year-old girl in Decatur also critically injured a bystander who stopped to help.

Decatur police on Monday said multiple passers-by who stopped to help when the wreck happened Saturday were heroes.

“Before emergency responders arrived, multiple courageous citizens stopped to render aid in an attempt to rescue the trapped individual,” police said in a statement.

“Tragically, during their efforts, the vehicle exploded, seriously injuring one of the civilians. The civilian was later airlifted to UAB Hospital due to the severity of their burns.”

Killed in the crash was Chloe Hastings, who was described by Hartselle First Methodist Student Ministry as “a ray of sunshine wherever she went with a heart of generosity and kindness.

The wreck happened at 9:02 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Beltline Road S.W. and Westmeade Street.

Responding officers were told the driver was trapped inside.

When first responders arrived, they found the SUV engulfed in flames.

“Despite the selfless and heroic actions of the bystanders, the occupant—a 17-year-old female—was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said Decatur police spokeswoman Irene Cardenas-Martinez.

“Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones during this time of unimaginable loss,” the statement read. “We also extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude to the brave individuals who risked their lives trying to save her. Their courage in the face of danger is a testament to the strength and compassion of our community.”

Hasting had just finished her junior year at Priceville High School.

Morgan County Schools Superintendent Tracie Turrentine released this statement to WAFF:

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the devastating news of the loss of one of our beloved students. This student was known for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support for her friends, as well as an infectious personality that could brighten anyone’s day with her smile. We extend our deepest sympathies to the student’s family and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. Our Crisis Support Team will be available for students and staff over the next few days at school. As the school community processes this news and copes with grief, please know that support services are available to those in need.”

Hastings was one of two people killed minutes apart in crashes in Decatur Saturday night.

At 9:10 p.m., officers were dispatched to a second fatal crash on Beltline Road N.W. near the railroad crossing just south of Highway 20, said Cardenas-Martinez.

In that incident, a motorcyclist – later identified as Leroy Goodwin – struck a train and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Due to the magnitude of these two tragic incidents and the strain on departmental resources, additional officers were called in.