Fotios Vlahadamis helped to save Henry H. Gibbs from being crushed in a loading machine, Kitimat, British Columbia, August 29, 1971. Gibbs, 56, was in the cab of a loading machine when a huge section of solidified pitch weighing about 300 tons broke off a pile and fell partially on the machine, crushing one side of it and causing one arm of Gibbs to be pinned so that he was unable to get out. Vlahadamis, 34, heavy-duty equipment operator, ran to the machine and, as the pitch pile creaked and another slide threatened, pried open the cab door with a crowbar. Unable to free Gibbs, Vlahadamis left to get additional rescue aids. Another workman arrived and also tried in vain to free Gibbs. Vlahadamis returned with a hydraulic jack, by means of which Gibbs was freed. His arm had been injured, but he recovered.
52357 – 6046
52357-6046