Ted Beaudoin wants to say thanks to three strangers.
The former Vernon resident, who now resides in Welland, Ont., 12 miles from Niagara Falls, wants to say thanks to three people that pulled his son to safety from a burning vehicle in Spallumcheen last week.
“My son is alive thanks to these people,” said Beaudoin, who was also grateful for the response from emergency personnel. “I don’t know who they are, don’t have any idea. But I’m very grateful for what they did.”
Shortly before 10 a.m., on May 5, Beaudoin’s son was behind the wheel of his mom’s 2001 Buick LeSabre, with mom in the passenger seat. The Lake Country residents were northbound on Highway 97A approaching the McLeod Road intersection when a Volkswagen Jetta pulled out in front of them.
The son swerved to avoid T-boning the Jetta but the two vehicles collided.
According to Beaudoin, his son reached out to stop the airbag from hitting his mom. At some point, the vehicle caught fire.
The mom was able to get out and three people helped the son out of the vehicle.
Beaudoin’s son suffered serious injuries to his hand, leg and knee and was released from Vernon Jubilee Hospital Monday.
There was no word on any injuries to the driver of the Jetta, who is believed to be from Spallumcheen.
The accident closed the highway for a short period of time.
Beaudoin would like to express his thanks to the people that pulled his son from the car. Anybody who knows them can contact him at tedbeaudoin@yahoo.ca.