Woman Pulled from Burning Car is Recovering, Cousin Says

Darcelle Chatoian, the San Francisco woman who was moments before it exploded Saturday, is recovering from her injuries, according to a Napa Patch user who identified herself as Chatoian's cousin Lynda Jones.

"Just talked to my Aunt and Uncle and Darcy is in ICU but she is doing fine ... a lot of broken bones on her left side but she is going to be fine," Jones on the site Tuesday afternoon.

"Darcy was very touched by the overwhelming concern for her," Jones's post continued.

"My Aunt asked me to please relay to Ryan and Peter how very very grateful they are to these young men who saved her daughter. You could tell in her voice just how much emotion she and my Uncle feel for those two young men," Jones wrote.

Ryan Perez, 32, of Napa and 38-year-old Peter Hart of Clearlake were the first to come upon Chatoian's SUV after she ran off the road on a slippery and remote section of Highway 29 on Mount St. Helena, near the Lake County line, shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday.

Flagged down by Perez's girlfriend Victoria Rossa, a third motorist used a fire extinguisher to keep the growing flames at bay as Perez and Hart pulled Chatoian to safety through the driver's side window.

Perez, who has a broken hand, suffered cuts to his leg requiring a dozen stitches when he kicked in the window after he and Hart were unable to reach Chatoian through the doors or tailgate.

Chatoian was then airlifted by Redwood Empire Air Care Helicopter (REACH) to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where she regained consciousness Monday, according to Officer Jaret Paulson of the .

Rossi took a bleeding Perez to St. Helena Hospital where he was stitched up and released.

Jones said she will keep Napa Patch readers posted on her cousin's condition.

"She is tough and will pull through thanks to Ryan and Peter," Jones wrote.