Injured Pedestrians Rescued From Underneath Car

Good Samaritans, Police Save Woman and Child

A mother and her 2-year old daughter were rescued Monday after a car collided with them as they were crossing Exposition Avenue in Aurora, police say.

The mother, Kipinga Maunza Kalala, 37, her 2-year old daughter Angela, and her 4-year old twin sons Jack and Vic, were crossing Exposition when they were struck by a Kia Rio driven by Michael Lovato, 52. The Kalala family had crossed the road where there was no crosswalk or pedestrian signal. 

Kipinga Kalala and her toddler daughter Angela were pinned under the Kia as a result of the accident, when off duty police Sgt. Jon Kessler, working as a security guard at a nearby Wal-Mart, and on-duty Sgt. Matt Brukbacher, rushed to lift the car off the injured mother and daughter. The two police officers were immediately assisted by several civilians. While the car was lifted, Kessler rescued the young daughter while the driver of the vehicle that hit the family, Michael Lovato, helped to pull the mother from under the car.

Lovato will not face any charges.

Kalala was taken, along with her three children, to Aurora Medical Center South. Kipinga Kalala remains in intensive care with a head injury and several broken bones. She is expected to survive. Angela Kalala suffered lacerations, bruises, and abrasions, but was released after a short visit. The twin boys were admitted and released with minor injuries.

Aurora Police Department spokesperson Lt. Chuck DeShazer had this to say concerning the good Samaritans involved:

"It should be noted that their contributions to the positive outcome of this potential tragedy cannot be overlooked. Their actions directly impacted the mitigation of a very precarious situation and I would deeply appreciate any acknowledgement of them."

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Sources: Colorado Cops, Good Samaritans Lift Car to Rescue Mother and Child, Officers And Good Samaritans Lift Car Off Mom, Toddler