Here at TruckersReport we’re always happy when we get to report on truckers who help out others. In doing so, these truckers often put themselves in harm’s way. Stories like these show off truckers’ kind hearts and willingness to take a break from the ‘time is money’ mindset to maintain their status as the knights of the road. Recently though a trucker showcased not only these attributes but also displayed exceptionally creative problem solving and quick thinking while saving a fellow driver who had been in a wreck.
William Hunt was driving on Route 59 when he saw a tanker truck flipped upside down in a ditch on the side of the road. The top of the tanker had been ripped open by the guard rail and a large rock and was leaking its cargo: 8,000 gallons of hot asphalt.
As Hunt approached the vehicle he was warned by other bystanders to stay back for fear of an explosion. The Pennsylvania native is a 40 year trucking veteran though, and knew by the placards that there was little chance of an explosion.
Hunt found the driver of the vehicle pinned in to his cab by his crushed roof and only saw his arm sticking out. When he went to check for a pulse, the driver began pleading for help. When Hunt determined that he wouldn’t be able to get him out on his own, he realized the most immediate danger to the driver was the burning hot asphalt (generally kept at around 800 degrees).
Here’s where Hunt’s quick thinking really paid off.
“My company has taught us don’t get excited — fall back on your training and do what needs to be done,” he said.
He retrieved a shovel from his truck and began to dig trenches in the dirt to keep the asphalt from burning the driver.
It took two and half hours once the authorities arrived to cut the driver free. In all that time, Hunt stayed by him and kept him from getting burnt.
For his bravery and quick thinking, the TCA named Hunt a Highway Angel.
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Source: gobytrucknews, thetrucker
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Rich says
They say you can’t buy experience. You can when you hire someone of Mr. Hunts’ caliber, or someone he has trained. There aren’t many “diamond” drivers left, but in my opinion he is one of them.
Mike says
Awesome thinking and actions. Love reading these kinds of stories.
jeff says
As for your comment about “time is money mentality “,I believe that it is pressure from trucking companies more than the attitude of the drivers.
Your pop up ad made it virtually impossible for me to read and comment on this post
harry s monster says
i hesitated when i read that as well..Just the wording implies a very wrong mentality. Time is money mentality precisely is NOT a mindset of a driver. Its a mindset of the those who run the drivers. It wasnt about willingness to take a break from this but a principal and moral obligation a driver felt towards a fellow human being. I DO not think the driver sat around weighing his losses against his gains.. Had that been a car..Or a moose..He wouldve done the same..The problem in the industry is we THINK its a choice..and we do make them. And its costing us our humanity..Thanks to drivers like this who dont think its a choice..They arent taking any time out from a mindset..They are doing what we should all do..I can assure you he doesnt think hes a hero..Just a guy who gives a damn..You should try it too…
Marilyn Mclaughlin says
Hip hip hurray !! Thank GOD for truckers SOO careing. Thats the true truck drivers I believe are out on the road.
Thomas says
In my opinion somebody was praying for that driver who had flipped over. Who drives around with a shovel?
Gordon A says
Thomas. A lot of us have a shovels in our trucks. Some of us are grain haulers. dump truck operators and others are are prepared for snow and mud conditions. It is not always the large one you think of but a bit smaller and easier to stow.A good shovel to carry is the the military folding kind ( entrenching tool) . takes up little room and does the job when needed.
Alison says
Canadians.
Joe Bob says
Prayers had nothing to do with that man being alive today, your “god” tried to kill him but a truck driver intervened
Beverly says
Every Christian believes in God, but also believes in Satan. God is not to blame for causing this, He did not try to “kill” him. But He did send His angel, in the form of a man named Wiliam Hunt, to save him.
James says
I have a small military style shovel in my truck. Along with lots of other “random” items that could come in handy in a pinch.
always be prepared
Bob says
As a recruiter and trainer it’s truly a pleasure to see that these professionals are still out there. I strive to pass on what I learned as a driver of 10 years, but self sacrifice for a stranger can’t be taught. Mr Hunt has earned his Highway Angel title and I am glad he’s out there watching over us.
Deborah L says
He was very quick thinking and not afraid to turn his back on this driver. It was extremely lucky that he had a shovel though. I think truckers will on the most part do what has to be done.
Hopefully the hurt driver was ok.
the man says
company he works for has shovels on every truck .
george w. fulk says
Well done Mr . Hunts with all of the bad press truckers are getting at this time. It’s great to hear there’s a few of us thinks of others. I myself remember a time when we would pull
Over to help a broken down vehicle and not worry about being shot or robbed.
Gordon A says
Thank you Mr Hunt for demonstrating that there are some of us Knights of the Road are still around.
God Bless you Sir. You exemplify what it is all about and not just pushing a truck down the road.
Bob R says
Nice work Mr.Hunt. Knowledge, Experience at work here! I only hope your company didn’t give you a problem for being late……..it happened to me
Bob R
Denny P says
Thank God there still guys with common sense! so many of them would have walked away and said there’s nothing they could do to stop it! sometimes one has to take the initiativeto make a difference! Thank you Mr. Hunt for stepping out of your comfort zone and saving the man’s life..
Richard A. says
This is a great story. The trucking industry needs more people like this!
Steve Bell says
Great to read Good news!!!
Steve Bell says
2 1/2 hours for help to arrive????
Morgan says
Thats not what it said. It said 2 1/2 to extricate him from the truck…
TRICK1 says
Arrive and cut the driver out.
Royce Dressel says
That is incredible. Driver Angel nominee for sure.
Kirby says
@ Steve Bell….the story says it took 2 1/2 hours for him to be cut out…not for help to arrive. Just sayin’.
Guy Bourgouin says
Good work Mr. Hunt, you really make a difference and deserve the Angel title, I do miss trucking and would like to go back on the road just to meet people like you. Thank you.
Lawrence says
that boy is a prime candidate for one of them citizens award from the Pres himself.
Jude Ossowski says
Only if chairman Obama doesn’t have a golf date and is looking for more face time.. He ignores the commoners.
Kevin says
WOW.!!! This is a friend of mine. I never knew he did this, never told me. That is Class at its finest..Quiet Hero’s are the best Hero’s. Imagine I read it here instead of him telling me..
379 Cat Power says
Well tell your friend he is a real life hero and the country not only appreciates him but should use him as an example of what truckers should be in this day and age of text messages and “that’s not my problem attitudes”. Mr. Hunt, thank you for proving that what my old man would tell me on long hauls in the old 359 about how truckers always help out another person in need, was absolutely true!
harry s monster says
AMEN nuff said!
Ray says
Well done Mr Hunt! I guess I need to start carrying a shovel wit me …
Greg says
Very cool story and brave driver. I do however question the temp of that load. 800 degrees? 424 is the flash point and it is normally hauled between 110 and 350 degrees. I hauled this stuff and have never seen it at 800 degrees. No matter he knew what he was doing and knew the flash points and safety issues. Not many drivers left like this any more. but there are still some.
sudon't says
I was going to say the same thing. While I have heard of a certain type of asphalt being hauled at around 500° F, I’ve never seen it. Possibly, it’s not done anymore. Typically, both roofing flux and road asphalt is stored and hauled at around 300° F, which is hot enough. Plenty hot to disfigure or maim, and so, makes no difference to the story. But I’m sure the author would prefer to be accurate.
It’s also more likely he was carrying < 6500 gallons than 8000. I'm allowed to load 53,000 lbs, which typically translates to around 6250 gallons at that temperature. If I remember correctly, when I hauled methanol which is relatively light, the tanks held a max of 7000 gallons.
Corey Jackson says
Wow, just think if every driver had this man’s unselfish attitude, how much better the image of us drivers would be. Like some of you said above, too many people out here with the “I don’t care about anyone but me” attitude. Yeah, part of it cwn be blamed on companies buttchewing drivers to get that load there yesterday, but most of it is this new breed of driver’s classless attitudes. Good to see there are still caring courageous guys like this man still out here that I moght need a little help from one day.
harry s monster says
I agree except for one word..unselfish..I think its a selfish thing to help and care for others because in the long run its in our self interest. We use the word unselfish as if we are martyre and goodness has no reasoning..Its just good cuz its good..But goodness is a most absolute logical means of being and acting in our self interest we do good simply because it makes the world work. The unselfish unexplained mystical magical god made me do it mentality has a lot to do with why our race of people are far behind in our moral behaviors but so advanced in our technical talents. We got it screwed up..the mentality is backwards.. Its very much in every humans self interest to give a damn about every single one of us.. So be very SELFISH..Thats my take..
Denise says
Thank you Mr. William Hunt.
kctrap says
Nice job Hunt, not only are you a HERO to the tanker driver, you are a HERO to many of us.
Your family must be proud of you……….I know I am!
trap
harry s monster says
Can we clone this guy?
harry s monster says
Often when i read articles off this sight many of the articles have a certain almost SNEER to them..i often wonder about the authors and suspect that its the same author over and over..They write as an obligation an attempt at a positive portrayal but i will see consistently snide comments under soft words almost as if they author thinks they are being clever hiding what they really feel about truck drivers. I keep seeing these articles and i kind get this feeling the writer is sitting there going Gee..do i really give a damn! If you dont give a damn..Pass the article over to someone who does..so they can do justice where it is deserved.