Randal Gilbert Chard, S.C.
Daniel Dennis Hysen, S.C.
Jackson Meng Kuan Lin, S.C.
Kevin Thomas Sheridan, S.C.
Star of Courage
A pickup truck carrying oxygen and acetylene tanks stopped under a railway overpass in Toronto during late afternoon on August 18, 1986. Hearing hissing noises, the pickup's passenger had gone round back to investigate when leaking gases from the tanks ignited and exploded, throwing him some 3 metres away and shattering nearby office windows. The pickup's driver was trapped behind the blast-twisted steering wheel, while the driver of the car behind the pickup, as well as a passenger in a taxi were also injured and disoriented by the accident. Dennis Hysen, a passing motorist, witnessed the explosion, the subsequent fireball and the thick, billowing, black smoke filling the tunnel. Fearing that the pickup's passenger would be overcome by smoke inhalation, he dragged him to the tunnel entrance, then returned to the truck to assist the driver. He was joined at this point by several other rescuers, including Randal Chard, Kevin Sheridan and Jackson Lin. When all attempts to remove the driver through the door or window had failed, Dennis Hysen, Randal Chard and another man kicked out the windshield and tried unsuccessfully to pull him out from behind the steering wheel. Just then, one rescuer, aware that further explosions were imminent, yelled to them to leave. Although they left for a short time, Randal Chard, Dennis Hysen, Jackson Lin, Kevin Sheridan and another man returned to the truck almost immediately, braving flames and smoke. Jackson Lin, on top of the hood and bracing one foot against the burning seat back, pulled the driver out with Dennis Hysen's assistance, then passed him to Randal Chard, Kevin Sheridan and another man who carried him to safety.