While motoring near Bancroft, Ontario, in the early afternoon on 25 July 1981, Roy Asselstine witnessed a head-on collision. One of the cars caught fire with the driver trapped inside. Mr. Asselstine quickly ran to the scene and opened the door of the passenger's side. Undaunted by the heavy smoke, he cut the seat belt with a knife and released the semi-conscious driver. With great difficulty he dragged him a short distance away from the wreck, then removed the victim's burning shoes and socks. Seconds later the car exploded. The victim recovered in hospital.