A rear-end collision turned into a fiery multi-car crash on Highway 512 Friday, and a woman trapped in the flaming wreckage was rescued by a man who said he caused the accident.

FIERY CRASH SLIDESHOW: Vehicles Burst Into Flames

The Washington State Patrol said the crash happened in the westbound lanes of Highway 512 at Lakewood.

"I just looked up and seen the cars stopped, and I couldn't stop in time and I hit the car behind and spun it underneath the truck," said Bert Madden, a driver.

The small car with a woman driver inside was crushed under a pickup truck as sparks began to fly.

"The small car burst into flames [and] caused the other cars to burst into flames," said Johnny Alexander of the Washington State Patrol.

Video: Hero Pulls Woman From Wreckage

Without hesitation, Madden went running towards the inferno.

"I just jumped out of my truck and opened her door got her seatbelt off and pulled her out. I'm not a hero because I caused this accident," Madden told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News South Sound Bureau Chief Richard Thompson.

Police said they were thankful for Madden's reaction to the wreck.

"He admits to causing the collision, he doesn't admit to being a hero, but if he had not pulled that lady from the vehicle she would not be here today. So in my eyes and probably the eyes of the law he is a hero," Alexander said.

Three people were taken to hospitals.

The crash caused a seven-mile backup in the westbound lanes of Highway 512.