Lawrence Conner was coming home when he soon realized the road in front of his house…was the scene of a near tragedy.

“I saw black smoke rolling up in the air….about 100 foot high,” said the Warriner Ridge Rd. resident of the scene in front of his home Wednesday afternoon.

He then saw two teenagers lying in his yard.

“My neighbor here, helped drag the two out of the burning car…into my yard to save their lives,” Conner said.

Those two were 18 year olds Chad Kelsay and Josh Lawless, both of Jamestown. They were in a 2001 Chevrolet that caught fire in the crash. Both were listed in fair condition at UK Hospital Thursday morning. The driver of the other car, 17 year old Tanner Mann, was in critical condition.

The crash isn’t the first Conner has seen in front of his house.

“They’ll be coming down this stretch..instead of slowing down..they’ll get faster,” he said. Conner also says it’s common for people to try to “jump” the hill in front of his house, although it isn’t known if that was a factor in the Wednesday crash.

State police say the crash happened when one of the cars topped the hill, crossed the center line, and hit the other head on. Police say they don’t suspect drugs or alcohol.

The 18 year olds are both seniors at Russell County High School.

“One of them is involved in athletics, both are in the area technology center, well liked, well known, good boys,” said principal Darren Gossage.

Hearts were heavy as their classmates look forward to next week’s graduation…yet still take part in senior activities..such as the picnic taking place Thursday.

“I know they are putting cards together, a lot of thoughts and prayers as we go through the day,” Gossage said.

Gossage said that both Kelsay and Lawless were supposed to have surgeries Thursday for their various injuries.

Tanner Mann attended Russell County High School as well, but graduated last year from a different school.