Chris A. Cole saved Michael G. Bradley from a possible explosion, Bradford, Pennsylvania, March 12, 2002. Bradley, 36, was the driver of a tractor-trailer that was hauling 7,000 gallons of gasoline when the vehicle overturned onto its right side while attempting to negotiate a turn. The vehicle fell against a guide rail, and a large quantity of gasoline began to escape from it as its engine continued to run. Bradley emerged through the window of the driver’s door but, seriously injured, was unable to leave the cab. Driving nearby, Cole, 29, laborer, witnessed the accident. He parked, ran through the escaping gasoline to the rig, and mounted the guide rail at the tractor. Cole pulled Bradley the rest of the way through the window and went to the ground with him, then, wet with gasoline, helped Bradley walk away from the vehicle, the engine of which soon stopped, on its own. Bradley was hospitalized a week for treatment of hip injuries. Cole was treated at a hospital for first-degree chemical burns to his feet and abrasions. He recovered.
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