'He was on fire': Islanders recognized for saving man's life after welding accident
Taking a wrong turn brought friends back in the nick of time
Three Prince Edward Islanders were celebrated Thursday night for their actions in saving the life of a man after a welding accident.
Austin O'Meara, Glen Campbell and Jewel Easter were presented awards from the Lifesaving Society by Lieutenant-Governor Frank Lewis.
"I thank the good fella upstairs, having these people come together all at the same time and help me," said Vance Easter, the man they saved.
The accident happened four years ago.
Easter was working alone in his O'Leary shop that September. His friends O'Meara and Campbell, who had been visiting, had just left. His daughter was nearby.
A loose piece of material landed on his hoses, burnt through them and caused an explosion.
'He was on fire'
Easter ran screaming from the shop.
His daughter Jewel ran to help. At the same time O'Meara and Campbell, who had made a wrong turn and come back again, were passing by.
"I looked in and saw Vance coming out of the shop and he was on fire," said Campbell.
They were able to get the fire out and get cold water on his burns. Easter had burns to 75 per cent of his body, most of them third degree.
He was told he would never walk again but proved the doctors wrong, which means he will be able to share a special moment with his daughter next fall.
"I'm getting married next September just to have him walk me down the aisle just means the world," she said.
Easter said he'll be well enough to dance with her too.