Buin E. Strader saved John D. Hurt from burning, Russellville, Kentucky, July 18, 2000. Hurt, 31, remained in the cab of his fuel truck after an accident in which the truck overturned onto its passenger side, skidded along the highway, and broke into flame. In separate compartments, the truck’s tank carried 2,500 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel. Strader, 47, logger, drove upon the scene and, through the windshield of the truck, saw Hurt struggling. He ran to the truck and called out to Hurt, then, despite flames on the tank, at its rear, climbed atop the cab. As the flames on the tank grew, Strader reached through the opened driver’s window and helped Hurt to climb out of the cab. The men went to the pavement, then Strader helped Hurt walk to safety before an explosion at the truck minutes later. The truck was engulfed by flames, which consumed its contents. Hurt was treated at the hospital but was not detained.
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