Indiana Pizza Delivery Driver Risks His Life to Save Five People From a Burning House
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA — In an extraordinary act of bravery, a 25-year-old pizza delivery driver named Nicholas Bostic risked his life to save five people from a burning home in Lafayette, Indiana — an act that later earned him the Carnegie Medal, the highest civilian honor for heroism in the United States.
A Late-Night Delivery Turns Into a Rescue Mission
The life-changing moment occurred late one night when Bostic, driving through a residential neighborhood, noticed a house engulfed in flames. Without hesitation, he pulled his car over, ran toward the fire, and entered the home to check for anyone trapped inside.
Inside, he discovered four children asleep upstairs. Fighting through thick smoke and flames, Bostic managed to wake them and guide them safely outside.
But as he reached safety, he realized one more child — a 6-year-old girl — was still inside.
A Hero’s Split-Second Decision
Determined not to leave anyone behind, Bostic ran back into the burning structure. Despite the intense heat and heavy smoke, he searched room to room until he found the girl. With no safe path to exit, he punched through a second-floor window, grabbed the child, and leapt out to safety — injuring his arm in the process.
Both Bostic and the child survived the fall and were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. Witnesses and emergency responders later said his selfless actions prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy.
“I just knew I couldn’t leave them there,” Bostic told local media. “If I didn’t act, they might not have made it out.”
Honored With the Carnegie Medal
In recognition of his extraordinary courage, Nicholas Bostic was awarded the Carnegie Medal, the most prestigious civilian award for heroism in the United States. The honor is reserved for individuals who risk their lives to save others, often in situations of extreme danger.
Lafayette Fire Chief Richard Doyle praised Bostic’s instincts and bravery, calling his actions “a rare kind of heroism that comes straight from the heart.”
“He didn’t have gear, training, or backup — just courage,” Doyle said. “He saw people in danger and ran toward the fire when everyone else would have run away.”
A Story That Inspired the Nation
Bostic’s story quickly spread across social media and national outlets, with thousands praising his courage and calling him a “real-life superhero.”
His quick thinking and selflessness serve as a powerful reminder that heroes can emerge from the most unexpected places — even a pizza delivery route.
For more inspiring human-interest stories from around the country, stay tuned to NapervilleLocal.com.
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