Troopers hailed for life-saving efforts after head-on crash

Two Highway Patrol troopers were hailed as heroes Wednesday after they cared for drivers involved in a head-on collision near Whiteville.

Troopers Kevin Conner and Scott Floyd were trying to stop a vehicle heading eastbound in the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 74 on Monday morning when the vehicle crashed into a westbound vehicle, authorities said.

The troopers called for paramedics and began providing first aid to the drivers, who were both pinned in their vehicles, authorities said.

A fire erupted in one vehicle, and Conner grabbed an extinguisher from his patrol car and twice put down the flames while also attending to the driver, authorities said.

Both drivers were airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington for treatment. The Highway Patrol didn't release their names or conditions, but authorities said the quick thinking of the troopers saved their lives.