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Easton Neighbors Pull Driver From Burning Car

EASTON (CBS) – Three neighbors who barely know each other saved a man from his burning car in Easton late Wednesday night.

51-year-old Brian Edlund of Easton was on his way home around 10:20 p.m. when he lost control of his Audi on Summer Street, slammed into a utility pole and then a tree, before his car burst into flames.

Three men who live nearby - Nathan Everett, Kenneth Bowman and Michel McGowan – all ran out to help.

WBZ-TV's Bill Shields reports

Bowman brought a fire extinguisher from his kitchen and sprayed the car as the other two tried to pull Edland out.

But the fire had engulfed the engine and was coming through the dashboard while Edlund was still stuck in the car because of the air bags.

Bowman's extinguisher then ran out, so he got another one from his house and then doused the fire long enough so Everett and McGowan could finally free Edland.

Edland was rushed to the hospital with extensive burns and internal injuries.  He was in critical condition Thursday.

"There's broken ribs and a broken pelvis, broke a foot bone, head and neck is clear.  We're just waiting for more test results to come back," Edlund's wife Heather told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

"I do want to thank them immensely for pulling him from the wreck. It is what has saved his life," she said.  "They were great heroes to do it themselves, and possibly putting themselves in danger."

McGowan told WBZ-TV's Bill Shields he was asleep at the time of the crash.  He responded so fast he ran outside in nothing but his boxer shorts.  It wasn't until after the rescue that he realized what he was wearing.  His feet were cut by broken glass.

"What happened is just inconceivable to me. Brian's a great driver. He and I have been together for 30 years, and we've never ever imagine anything like this happening," Heather Edlund said.

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