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Exclusive: Motorcycle Crash Victim Credits Good Samaritans For His Miraculous Recovery

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- In an exclusive interview with CBS3's Walt Hunter, the survivor of a fiery motorcycle crash June 22d in Feltonville, thanked the heroes who pulled him from the flames saving his life and told of his agonizing seven week battle to recover at Temple Hospital.

24-year-old Walter Rivera says he has no memory of the crash, but after viewing surveillance video,which aired first and exclusively on CBS 3 ,he wants to thank three SEPTA workers who acted instantly, risking their lives to pull him from the flames.

He also hopes to learn the identity of a fourth rescuer-apparently a neighborhood man-who also saved his life.

Rivera, who suffered severe burns and injuries to his legs, says he was told by doctors he was only seconds away from being fatally injured when the rescuers moved in to save him.

The father of three credits the love and support of his mother, bride-to-be, and three children with giving him the strength he needed to recover.

Rivera says he hopes to meet with the three Septa workers-and the as yet unidentified neighborhood hero-soon to thank them in person. 

Reported by Walt Hunter, CBS 3

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