California man praised as hero may never walk again after saving pregnant woman from exploding apartment

A Riverside, California man may never walk again after saving a pregnant woman from a burning apartment that later exploded, his family said. Brian Jackson suffered catastrophic injuries during the Sept. 17 fire in downtown Riverside.

Family Says Jackson Risked His Life During Rescue

Jackson encountered an eight‑month‑pregnant woman preparing to jump from a window, according to KTLA. He convinced her not to jump and helped her escape. Moments later, an explosion inside the unit threw him from the building.

The Riverside Fire Department said crews arrived shortly after 2:15 a.m. and found the apartment engulfed in flames. Firefighters rescued residents from windows and treated several injured civilians. Five civilians and one firefighter were taken to hospitals.

Jackson broke both legs and both ankles during the fall, his family told KTLA. He also lost feeling in his right foot. Doctors warned he may never walk again and could face possible amputation.

Fire Started By Battery

Jackson told ABC News he was visiting a friend when several rechargeable batteries caught fire. One battery exploded, filling the apartment with smoke and flames. He then saw the pregnant woman halfway out the window and acted quickly.

GoFundMe Launched to Support His Recovery

Jackson’s stepdaughter, Elexis Hernandez, launched a GoFundMe to help cover surgeries, hospital care and rehabilitation. She wrote that Jackson’s first concern after waking up was whether the woman and her baby were safe.

Although Jackson told ABC News he does not consider himself a hero, his family said his actions saved a life. They said he risked everything to protect a stranger and now faces an uncertain future.