A trucker’s life was saved thanks to three passing motorists who arrived in the nick of time.
The accident happened on Friday, October 2nd in Madison, Florida at approximately 1:40 p.m. near the intersection of County Road 255 on Midway Church Road.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a semi truck hauling peanuts was heading westbound when it veered off the roadway and onto the east shoulder, continuing along the shoulder for around 200 feet before striking a concrete culvert and overturning. The rig then caught fire.
Before emergency responders could respond to the scene, Shawn Stevens and Jeffrey Webb were driving by when they noticed the burning truck, so they sprung into action. Stevens called 911 and was informed that the truck driver was still inside the vehicle, so the two men decided to take the rescue into their own hands.
As Stevens stayed on the phone with emergency services, Webb and another passerby already on the scene went over to the semi truck and were able to free the injured truck driver from the cab. Just as they were dragging him to safety, a small explosion further engulfed the truck cab.
The truck driver was then transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, including head lacerations.
“I was in the Army. I was told never to leave a fallen soldier,” said Webb.
“Even if he’s not a soldier, you help who you can when they are in need … I’m not really looking for publicity for what I did. I just want the people of Madison to know that I am a good person and if I see someone in need, I can help. I will do what I can.”
“We are a close community and we will do what we can to help,” Stevens added.