Bernard G. Bahlmann, aged 35, truck driver, rescued James J. Scott, 27, truck driver, from burning, Frankville, Ontario, October 21, 1966. At night a horse ran into the path of a tractor-trailer driven by Scott, who was unable to avoid a collision causing the tractor to become disengaged from the trailer and turn over onto its roof. It skidded from the highway and struck a large tree. One of the two fuel tanks, which contained a total of more than 100 gallons of gasoline, exploded and caused flames to break out on the upturned bottom of the tractor. Bahlmann stopped 30 feet from the burning vehicle and ran to it. Flames were rising 25 feet into the air. Bahlmann opened the door and saw Scott unconscious inside the cab, where flames above him were within two feet of his head. Scott’s collar and trousers were afire. Heat was intense. The flames on the tractor were within three feet of the intact fuel tank, which was above Bahlmann as he reached into the cab. Bahlmann took hold of Scott, who was slightly larger than he, pulled him out of the cab, and dragged him 10 feet from it. He then beat out the flames on Scott’s clothing before dragging him farther away. Soon afterward the other fuel tank exploded, and the tractor was a total loss. Scott suffered burns to his neck and legs, while Bahlmann sustained a sprained shoulder. They recovered.
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