Webster, Massachusetts – A man narrowly escaped death after becoming trapped under his car when a jack failed, authorities reported on February 17, 2026.

Police arrived at 3:43 p.m. at Advanced Auto Parts, 107 East Main St., to find the man pinned beneath the vehicle in the parking lot. He had used a jack to lift the car to inspect a problem when it gave out.

The victim was unresponsive and appeared not to be breathing when officers arrived. Emergency responders quickly used a jack to lift the car, allowing police to pull him out. He began breathing again on the scene.

The man was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center. Authorities confirmed his injuries were not life-threatening.

“It was a horrible situation that turned out good,” said Webster Police Chief Michael Shaw, praising the teamwork of police, firefighters, emergency responders, and civilians. “It was a huge impact on the result of him being alive today.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download