A former first responder sprang into action and managed to save three people from the wreckage of a deadly plane crash that occurred on a highway in Naples, Florida. Sheri Rapisarda, a former Collier County paramedic, acted swiftly and relied on her training and instinct to rescue the survivors.

The tragedy unfolded when a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet, carrying five people, crashed on Interstate 75 just after 3 p.m. EST. The plane had experienced a rare twin-engine failure after taking off from Ohio State University around 1 p.m. EST. In the last minute of its descent, the aircraft plunged 1,800 feet.

The crash resulted in the loss of the lives of the pilot, Edward Daniel Murphy, 50, and co-pilot Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65. However, thanks to Rapisarda's quick thinking and efforts, crew member Sydney Ann Bosmans, 23, and passengers Aaron Baker, 35, and Audra Green, 23, managed to survive.

Rapisarda, who was driving by at the time of the crash, immediately recognized the potential danger of an explosion and swiftly took action. She managed to get the survivors into her car and away from the area as quickly as possible. Rapisarda humbly praised the pilots and Bosmans as the true heroes who ensured the passengers' survival.

The crash caused the closure of all lanes in both directions of the highway, prompting the Florida Highway Patrol and sheriff's office to urge drivers to avoid the area. Emergency crews responded promptly to the scene to assist with the rescue efforts.

Following the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The NTSB will transport the plane to an undisclosed, secure facility for examination. The plane's black box and cockpit recordings have been sent to the NTSB agency headquarters in Washington, D.C., for further analysis.

The survivors were transported to a local hospital, and their current conditions remain unknown. Fortunately, no one on the ground was killed in the horrific incident.

Rapisarda's quick response and her dedication to putting her training and instincts into action undoubtedly made a significant difference in the lives of those she rescued. Her selfless heroism serves as a reminder of the bravery and courage exhibited by first responders in times of crisis.