Yevgeny “Eugene” Mirman, best known as the voice of Gene Belcher on the long-running animated series Bob’s Burgers, has sustained serious injuries following a car crash that erupted into flames, according to his representatives.
The 51-year-old was hurt in a single-vehicle collision involving a toll plaza on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Bedford at around 11:55 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31.
Initial reports did not name the driver, but authorities later confirmed in a press release that Mirman was the person involved.
According to the press release shared by authorities: “While units were responding, a veteran State Trooper assigned to Governor Kelly Ayotte’s security detail came upon the crash, saw that the vehicle was actively on fire, and observed the driver was still inside.
“The driver was then pulled from the burning car through a window and brought to safety.
“Governor Ayotte, along with other witnesses at the scene, provided assistance to the Trooper.”
Mirman was taken by ambulance to hospital for medical care. Officials have indicated that his injuries are not currently believed to be life-threatening.
Addressing the incident in a statement, his reps said: “Eugene was in a very scary car accident. He wants to thank the bystanders, state police, first responders and hospital staff who saved him. He is grateful to be on the mend. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Eugene and his family as he focuses on recovering from his injuries.”
As of publication, no charges have been announced. The investigation into what led to the crash is continuing.
Mirman was born in Moscow, Russia, and later moved to the United States as a child. He spent much of his early life in Massachusetts before eventually heading to New York City, where he pursued comedy more seriously.
Over the years, he has built a wide-ranging career with appearances and work spanning Flight of the Conchords, Delocated, Archer, Broad City, StarTalk, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Inside Amy Schumer, Conan O’Brien, The Colbert Report, Late Night with Seth Myers, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Home Movie.
In addition to his television work, Mirman has appeared in films including The Bob’s Burgers Movie, Confess and Fletch – and he has also worked behind the scenes as a producer. He co-founded the production company Pretty Good Friends with Julie Smith Clem in 2006.
“Certainly, their actions were heroic in what they did,” Col. Mark B. Hall said in a press release about the terrifying crash. “Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it.”
“The governor did get out of the vehicle and tried to assist in any way she could at the scene,” Hall said in a statement to Boston news outlet WCVB. “She wasn’t in harm’s way at any point, but she has a great deal of care for our citizens and tried to do what she could at the scene to provide assistance.”
Gov. Ayotte also shared her own comment on X, as she wrote: “I want to thank the Trooper on my security detail and the bystanders who stepped up to help at the scene of the crash for their brave lifesaving efforts today.Joe and I are praying for the full recovery of the driver who was injured today.”