Patrick J. Pryal helped to save Peter M. Sundholm from burning, Escanaba, Michigan, October 18, 2000. Sundholm, 54, was the driver of a sport utility vehicle that was stopped at a traffic light at a highway intersection. When it was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, the vehicle struck the car in front of it. The three vehicles came to rest in close proximity to each other, and flames broke out on them and grew quickly. Another motorist, Pryal, 44, wholesaler, witnessed the accident. He immediately ran to Sundholm’s vehicle, and, through the open front door on the passenger side, saw Sundholm lying unconscious on the front seat. Despite flames having entered the rear interior of the vehicle, Pryal leaned inside through the opened door, grasped Sundholm, and began to pull him out. He was joined shortly by another man, and together they pulled Sundholm from the vehicle and dragged him to safety on the highway shoulder. Minutes later Sundholm’s vehicle was engulfed by flames, as were parts of the tractor-trailer and the car. Sundholm required hospital treatment for his injuries.
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