Ernest Williams saved Federico Ortega and three others from an impending explosion, Los Angeles, California, January 9, 1979. An automobile driven by Ortega, 21, crashed into a house, breaking off a gas meter box near the dwelling’s front door. As fire broke out under the vehicle, Williams, 48, ran to it and removed two young girls from the back seat. With the fire increasing, Williams then pulled Ortega out. Flames were spreading over the automobile when the man who occupied the house appeared at its door. Williams ran to the man and was leading him away when an explosion occurred, setting fire to the house and throwing both men to the ground. Williams sustained minor burns, but the man required hospitalization.
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