Scott O. Clarke helped to save Lisa D. Ladd from burning, Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, September 6, 2008. Ladd, 54, was the driver and sole occupant of an automobile that left an interstate highway, struck an embankment, and rolled onto its passenger side. Fire erupted on the engine. Other motorists, including Clarke, 43, public works employee, stopped at the scene. Clarke approached the burning vehicle and, joining another motorist who had stopped, reached through the open window of the driver’s door but was unsuccessful in freeing Ladd from her safety belt. With a special tool, Clarke then cut Ladd’s shoulder belt while the other motorist supported her to keep her from dropping to the bottom of the vehicle. Clarke then mounted the car, reached inside, and cut Ladd’s lap belt. The men maneuvered her from the vehicle moments before flames increased to engulf it. Ladd required hospitalization for treatment of her injuries, but she was not burned.
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