Raymond E. Akard, 43, truck driver, died as the result of rescuing Charles R. Gunning, 33, truck driver, from burning, Nageezi, New Mexico, May 22, 1963. At a road construction project an explosion occurred at a tractor truck in which pressure had built up in the vehicle’s two fuel tanks containing approximately 80 gallons of gasoline. Burning fuel covered Gunning, who was standing alongside the truck, and sprayed onto Akard, who was nearby. Akard retreated 25 feet and beat out flames on his attire. He then noticed that Gunning, covered with flames and apparently in shock, still was standing alongside the burning truck. Akard ran to Gunning and led him 100 feet from the truck. By then the clothing of both men was completely afire. Akard tore the burning attire from Gunning and from himself. Others arrived. Akard and Gunning both extensively burned, were removed to a hospital but died within ten days.
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