Viral video shows Nebraska-Omaha basketball player stepping in after sinkhole swallows two cars

A University of Nebraska-Omaha women's basketball player has been identified as the good samaritan who stepped in to help after a sinkhole swallowed two vehicles at an intersection.

Olivia Borsutzki was stopped at a red light with her teammate Esra Kurban when an SUV and pick-up truck were both pulled into the earth. The drivers of the two vehicles tried to escape the sudden danger, but the SUV driver was unable to pull himself out of the hole.

Enter Borsutzki, whose car can be seen driving around three other cars waiting to turn left and pulling over on the sidewalk. She leaves the driver's seat and is the first to start pulling the man out. Kurban later emerges from the passenger's seat and follows her.

Speaking later with On3's Talia Goodman, Borsutzki said she was struck by the lack of any other bystanders trying to help before she stepped in. A woman can be seen on her phone, likely calling emergency services, and reaching out a single hand toward the victim. Another man later helps Borsutzki get the victim out of the hole, but only after she reportedly told him "I need your help – come pull this guy out with me.”

From On3:

“There were cars driving past and everyone had their cell phones out,” Borsutzki said. “Men and women were just recording. Nobody was helping.”

They initially assumed adults nearby would step in.

“We thought grown men were going to stop and help,” they said. “But no one did. So we left the car.”

City officials have reportedly said the sinkhole was caused by a water main break, leaving a hole 30-50 feet wide and 10-15 feet deep

As video of the sinkhole spread, the two players were reportedly recognized by teammates, staff and family. One coach in particular had praise for Borsutski:

Borsutski said her strength coach texted, “Very strong, big dog.”

Borsutski, a 5-foot-11 junior guard and German national, is in her first season at Omaha after transferring from Xavier. She has yet to appear in a game for Omaha this season. Kurban, a freshman from Turkey, has appeared in 19 games this season, with 14 points scored.