You may recall during the procession to escort a fallen Indiana National Guard member's body out of Valparaiso last month a freak crash occurred, sending a burning car catapulting into the midst of the motorcade.
The procession stopped and the Patriot Guard Riders among others put themselves at risk to help rescue four people trapped in the burning wreckage. Family members of those rescued were extremely grateful, and on Sunday for the first time they got to meet and say thanks
It was an emotional scene in Michigan City Sunday for Ana Otero and her grandmother Marie. They got to personally meet those who disregarded their own safety and helped save their family members following the accident on January 14
Among those rescued from the flaming wreckage was Otero's mother, Ana Pina, who was severely injured. Also in the crash were her two younger siblings, Mateo and Isabella, and grandmother Marie.
“They saved my family,” Otero said. I cannot say how thankful I am that God was there and put them there to save my family, and that they are going to be okay thanks to these people.”
A number of different motorcycle organizations were in the procession with the Patriot Guard that day, and all pitched in to help during the accident. Several riders were hospitalized as a result of being too close to the smoke and flames following the collision.
“Not one person hesitated,” said Karla Lloyd, one of the rescuers. “Several were on each side of the vehicle trying to help as one by one the family members were rescued and pulled out.”
“When something like this happens, you just react and you do what you’ve got to do,” said Steven Moore, another person who joined in the rescue efforts that day”
“I believe if we weren't there, the outcome would have been totally different,” said Lloyd.
“I will never forget these people,” Otero said on Sunday. “And I know that for as long as I live I will be in touch with them. They knew what to do and they took immediate action to save my family”
Ana Pina is the only victim of the crash who still remains hospitalized. We are told she is in a medically-induced coma.
