The Buffalo Grove Fire Department received a call reporting a one-vehicle collision with a tree around midnight on Thursday night (Friday morning). The first arriving company found a late model Cadillac Escalade with extensive damage from the impact which trapped the driver. Truck 25, Engine 27, Ambulance 25, and Battalion 4 worked the scene for roughly 49 minutes to extricate the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Buffalo Grove Fire Department rescues victim trapped in car on Brandywyn Lane 6-8-12 after collision with tree

After removing the driver’s door, firefighters survey the interior damage. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department rescues victim trapped in car on Brandywyn Lane 6-8-12 after collision with tree

Preparations begin to remove the rear door. Larry Shapiro photo

The impact was so intense that it completely destroyed the front of the vehicle causing heavy damage to the front driver’s corner, causing one leg to be pinned underneath the dashboard.

Buffalo Grove Fire Department rescues victim trapped in car on Brandywyn Lane 6-8-12 after collision with tree

An officer takes out the rear window glass. Larry Shapiro photo

Larry Shapiro was at the scene and submitted several images of the extrication and the overall damage.

Buffalo Grove Fire Department rescues victim trapped in car on Brandywyn Lane 6-8-12 after collision with tree

Hinges are cut to release the rear door. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department rescues victim trapped in car on Brandywyn Lane 6-8-12 after collision with tree

After the door is removed, the column is cut to allow full access to the patient. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department rescues victim trapped in car on Brandywyn Lane 6-8-12 after collision with tree

The tree, visible in the foreground, proved to be an immovable object even for the roughly 6,000 lb. Cadillac Escalade. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department rescues victim trapped in car on Brandywyn Lane 6-8-12 after collision with tree

The damage to the front end is visible as well as the demolition performed by the firefighters. Larry Shapiro photo

Additional images can be found in a gallery HERE.