Wando High School senior Ian Lund knew he was risking his life when he tried to help a stranger trapped in an overturned van on U.S. Highway 17.
But he also realized it would be worse to do nothing at all.
The decision came to him in an instant, when he looked through the van’s windshield and saw John D. Green, 54, of Charleston bleeding heavily and in pain from a broken arm.
“The first thing I smell is gasoline,” Lund said. “I’m like, ‘Oh, boy, this is not good.’ ”
Lund’s bravery will be recognized tonight during a Town Council meeting. The town also plans to nominate him for a Carnegie Medal, which recognizes heroism.
“Ian showed tremendous courage and put his life in immediate danger to aid a complete stranger,” Fire Chief Herb Williams said in a letter to council. “Ian recognized the inherent danger of the gasoline igniting while the driver was still trapped inside the vehicle. His efforts were extraordinary.”