A UPS driver from Oak Park, Illinois is being hailed an “angel” after saving a 4-year-old boy trapped underneath a nearly 100-pound package outside of his home.
Marco Angel (aptly named) was working his routine delivery route when he passed by the child, Max Pratt, being crushed by the heavy package, WBBM-TV reports.
"He didn't think twice. He didn't even look for traffic," Max's dad told the outlet. "He came sprinting. It was pretty cool."
Pratt, who helps his mom every day by collecting packages from the front porch, heard the doorbell ring and ran to collect the delivery. While his mother was upstairs, Max tried to lift the box.
The 40-pound child didn't realize the parcel weighed twice as much as he did, and it toppled onto him, trapping the youngster.
Thankfully, Angel was paying attention even though he was already back in his truck. The UPS worker heard the boy yell for help, and without hesitation, bolted across a busy street and grabbed the 97-pound package off of Max.
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The entire incident was captured on the Pratt's Ring camera.
When Max was interviewed by the local news station, he explained, "I couldn't get it, the package man got it."
When asked about his heroic action, Angel said, “I pictured my boys in his situation. Obviously, you go into, kind of, full parent mode or full dad mode to make sure the kid is all right."
Max’s mom told the driver, "You are our angel, the way you flew in and helped him."
A spokesperson for UPS told People, "We're all truly grateful that Max was not injured and are proud of driver Marco Angel for his quick actions and concern for others."
Angel told the local outlet, "I'm just happy that I was able to get that box off him because the box did weigh. I [was] just hoping the little boy is all right. That's all I want."
The Pratts have now instructed Max not to open the door unless an adult is present. The heavy package contained a hammock that Max can relax on after his close call with injury.
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