A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a pilot just moments before a small aircraft was engulfed in flames following a crash near U.S. 101 on Jan. 29, authorities said.

Officer Ayala—no first name was provided—was conducting a routine traffic stop on Los Carneros Road, north of U.S. 101 in Santa Barbara County, when he spotted a deployed aircraft parachute and heard an explosion, the CHP said in a Jan. 30 social media post.

CHP had not responded to a request for more information as of publication time.

Seeing the downed plane in an empty field, he immediately abandoned the stop and rushed toward the crash site, according to the agency.

As he approached, the aircraft was already ablaze. Ayala pulled over on the freeway’s right shoulder, jumped a chain-link fence, and sprinted toward the wreckage while calling for emergency responders.

Amid thick smoke and the smell of burning fuel, Ayala saw the pilot struggling to crawl out of the aircraft. With flames spreading rapidly, he grabbed the injured pilot’s arms and dragged him to safety, the CHP said.

Just as they reached a safe distance, an explosion rocked the crash site, completely engulfing the aircraft in flames.

“Thanks to Officer Ayala’s quick thinking and bravery, a tragedy was averted,” the CHP said. “His heroic actions are a testament to his unwavering dedication to public safety and to those who risk their lives to save others.”

According to the CHP, the plane’s passenger managed to escape on her own, and two bystanders rushed in to help. Ayala directed one civilian to assist the passenger while another remained on-site to help first responders.

Both the pilot and passenger were transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for treatment.

The CHP also expressed appreciation for the civilians who assisted in the rescue.