Pasadena, CA (September 19, 2023) – Firefighter trainee, America Salmeron, 17, suffered severe burns from a dune buggy crash near Las Vegas this past weekend.
The accident left her with burns covering 51% of her body, including third-degree burns.
The dune buggy flipped, ignited, and trapped Salmeron beneath it.
She escaped just before an explosion.
Salmeron, a recent Pasadena High School graduate, aimed to join Pasadena City College.
She had been an exemplary Explorer at the Pasadena Fire Department for over a year and was interviewing for a cadet position at the Verdugo Fire Academy.
From her hospital in Las Vegas, she expressed her enduring commitment to firefighting.
A GoFundMe campaign supports Salmeron’s medical expenses.
The investigation is still ongoing.
