Patrolman James G. Karl

James G. Karl

Patrolman James Karl succumbed to burns sustained while attempting to rescue the driver of a gasoline truck that had crashed into the Belt Line Viaduct at West 16th Street.

Gasoline leaked from the truck and pooled around a stalled car. When the driver of the car attempted to start it, the gasoline was ignited and caused the gas truck to explode. The driver of the truck and Patrolman Karl, who was attempting to pull him from the truck, both suffered fatal burns. 17 other bystanders also sustained injuries from the explosion.

Patrolman Karl was taken to a local hospital where he died the following day.

Patrolman Karl was survived by his wife, two children, and parents.