Jon Wilbur, an owner operator with Pottle Transportation, has been named the newest Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association after helping to rescue the 18 passengers of a bus that had caught fire.
When he arrived on the scene, the passengers were getting off the bus and grabbing their things from the cargo hold while the bus drivers stood just inside the bus, apparently confused as to what they were supposed to be doing.
“I saw young people, black smoke pouring out of the vehicle, and no one was stopping,” said Wilbur. “I didn’t know if there were disabled people on that bus, or infants, or what.”
According to the report by the TCA, Wilbur acted alone while the two bus drivers stood by and didn’t do anything. Taking his own fire extinguisher, he attempted to subdue the flames, using up his own and then asking if he could use theirs before determining that the fire was too far gone to be controlled.
He then realized that the passengers were too close to the blaze and moved them to a safe distance before the authorities arrived. The New York Highway Department eventually took over, but the TCA claims that Wilbur’s “selfless actions and leadership skills” were the reason that no one got hurt.
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Image Source: TCA
jerri says
Bet a dollar this brave trucker dont make the 5:00 news. He didn’t kill nobody. He saved people from getting hurt. With all the B$ going on against our industry positive feed back is wonderful to hear. Way to go Jon!!!!!!!
Johnny says
Funny no one wants to thank a guy for saving some lives, those could have been your kids….. Thank you Wilbur for your selfless act of heroism, and saving those kids from the burning bus, myself and about 10 other truck drivers did this for a grayhound on 1-40 in the mountains west of Albuquerque NM, it is a good feeling inside and out, and I for one know the pain of loss (many)
Rodney says
Nice to see one of us getting some good press for a change!
Great job Jon!
Brian says
Great job Jon!! Your efforts helped all of us ! Thank you, and I’m sure those passengers are sure glad you came to help!
Spanky says
Great Job Wilbur!!!
Keep on Trucking my friend.
Judy says
Your a great guy and we need more people like you in the trucking industry.
Thank You!!
Ray says
I tip my hat to you Mr. Jon Wilbur. Great job. I hope this made headlines.