Hysterical strength, otherwise known as superhuman strength, is “a display of extreme strength by humans, beyond what is believed to be normal, usually occurring when people are in life and death situations.” It’s a real thing and not just something that happens in movies and on TV.
Charlotte Heffelmire from Vienna, Virginia jumped into action after a pick-up truck fell on her old man. She’s now a real life super hero.
Dad Eric was working in the family garage on a GMC pick-up truck when the jack propping up the car slipped and pinned him to the ground, with leaking petrol instantly catching fire.
Fortunately, the 19-year-old high school student from Vienna in Virginia, US, was able to use momentarily incredible strength to free him before propane tanks caught alight.
The pole vaulter, who is just 5ft 6in and weighs around 8st 8lb (120 pounds), ran to the scene barefoot and leapt into action.
Charlotte saved her dad but she wasn’t done yet. After pulling him to safety, Charlotte drove the truck away from exploding propane containers and then started fighting the fire with a garden hose until firefighters arrived. This allowed other family members to escape the house.
Charlotte did sustain a back injury and burned her feet but saved numerous lives. In recognition of the miracle rescue, Charlotte was presented the Citizen Lifesaving Award by the Fairfax County fire department.
I’ve been writing this entire article while standing up and applauding and now it’s time for all of you to do the same.
[via Mirror]