A trucker is being credited with pulling a fellow driver out of a wrecked rig. His heroic actions likely saved the man’s life, pulling him out of his vehicle just before the fuel tanks exploded.
Jerry and Linda Miller are team drivers for CFI of Joplin, Missouri. The couple was driving through nasty weather when they saw a truck in front of them serve and lose control. The truck ended up hitting the guard rail, disconnecting from the trailer, and flipping over on the driver’s side.
The couple pulled over, put on their flashers, and Jerry raced to the other truck to help.
“The way his cab hit the ground, well I knew the driver was in trouble,” said Jerry.
As he approached the truck, Jerry noticed fuel leaking out onto the freeway, so he waved for other traffic to stop at a safe distance. He climbed up into the cab through the passenger-side door and found the other trucker unconscious.
Jerry got the man’s seatbelt off of him while he tried to wake him up. Jerry managed to pull the man out of his seat and started getting him out of the cab when the driver’s side fuel tank exploded. The man regained consciousness, and Jerry was able to get him out of the cab entirely. Just as he got the man back to his own truck, the second fuel tank exploded.
“It was just a good day to be in the right spot. As a truck driver, we’re out on the highways 22 hours a day. My wife and I both drive 11-hour shifts,” said Jerry according to the Truckload Carrier’s Association. “There are a lot of people that are by themselves when they get into an accident. There are people that just won’t take time to get involved. But that’s not us. We stop. It’s just what we do. Most people keep on driving, but that’s not what we were put on this planet for. I was in the army and we were taught that you don’t leave anybody behind. And I never will.”
Source: gobytrucknews, TCA
Jude says
I dedicate my next beer to this driver! What happened to the driver who wrecked? Is he alright?
Al says
Well done Mr. Miller. I sure hope if I ever find myself in trouble like that there’ll be someone like you nearby.
Will says
Great job keep on trucking
Daniel says
There are still drivers out there looking out for one another. A nice example of a real brother or sister and a true hero.
Buck says
Lucky if you don’t get sued for any harm you brought to him when pulling him out
R Barnby says
Good job brother. I was just ranting in another post how the old school truckers are a thing of the past with courtesy and stopping to help. Thank you for being one of the few and thank you for your Army service. USMC 1970-1974. Vietnam 1970-1971.
Ne Kite flyer says
Thank YOU for YOUR service!