Carl W. Miskin attempted to rescue Jesus Aguilar from burning, Indio, California, May 16, 1936. When an automobile driven by Aguilar, 28, laborer, collided with another automobile that was carrying five cans of gasoline on racks, gasoline was ignited; and flames enveloped Aguilar’s automobile. A companion got out in flames and was fatally burned. Aguilar’s foot was caught in the automobile, and he lay with the upper part of his body extending from a doorway. Miskin, 24, brakeman, removed his shirt and patted out flames on Aguilar’s companion; and then wearing no clothing above his waist, he ran to Aguilar, turned his face to avoid the heat, and took hold of Aguilar’s left arm and pulled. Skin sloughed off Aguilar’s arm, and Miskin lost his hold. Using his shirt as a pad, Miskin again took hold of Aguilar’s arm and pulled but could not extricate him. Releasing his hold, Miskin called for aid, and at that instant a can of gasoline that was lodged on the fender exploded, spraying Miskin with burning gasoline. Aguilar was burned to death. Miskin was very severly burned and was disabled for nine weeks.
35612 – 2987
35612-2987