10-year-old honored for protecting Charlotte classmates after crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A Charlotte elementary school student was honored after he protected the lives of three of his classmates.

Juan Andres Cabesa Mina moved those three students out of the way of a falling utility pole last Thursday morning after a car crashed into one while they were waiting to get on the bus, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.

He saved his classmates, but the pole ended up falling onto Juan’s legs, trapping him, firefighters said.

Juan Andres Cabesa Mina is a Hero and
Let's hear the shout outs again for 10-year-old Juan Andres Cabesa Mina. Originally from Venezuela, Juan's first year of school in the U.S. is at Windsor Park Elementary and he's making quite an impact. Juan is a true hero after protecting three classmates from a falling utility pole. On Thursday morning, Juan and some of his fellow students were waiting for their school bus to take them to Windsor Park Elementary School. Close by, a two-car accident ended with one of the vehicles crashing into a utility pole with active power lines. In that moment, Juan rushed into danger and quickly whisked the other students away from the collapsing pole. However, the pole fell on top of Juan trapping his legs underneath. When the crew from Charlotte Fire Engine 42 arrived, bystanders had freed Juan from under the pole. Although Juan was conscious and alert, he was understandably distraught. After Charlotte Fire rendered first aid, Juan was evaluated and transported by MEDIC to an area hospital where he spent the next two days. Yesterday was his first day back at school and was welcomed by the entire student body, school staff, officers from Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and firefighters from Charlotte Fire Engine 42 and 65. Juan was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his heroism by Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. “Juan is an example of service before self. Charlotte Fire and the entire community thank you for your heroic actions to save your friends,” Johnson said. Fire Chief Johnson declared Juan an honorary Junior Charlotte Firefighter. Juan’s first duty was sounding the horn on Engine 65. “What I did that day, I didn’t do to be a hero. I did it out of my heart. I don’t remember what happened, but I will always have everyone in my heart.” Juan said through a translator. Juan is a 5th grade student, and this is his first year at Windsor Park Elementary School.
Posted by Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC on Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Bystanders were able to free the 10-year-old before rescue crews took him to an area hospital, where he spent the next two days, according to Charlotte Fire.

The fifth grader returned to Windsor Park Elementary Tuesday and was welcomed back by his entire school, along with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and Charlotte Fire cheering him on.

Juan was also presented with a certificate for his heroism and declared an honorary Junior Charlotte Firefighter, according to the department.

His first duty was sounding the horn on one of Charlotte Fire’s trucks.

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