“Most complex rescue in decades” frees trucker after 3 hours

A truck driver was freed from his twisted cab after the “most complex rescue operation in decades” in Louisiana on Friday night. 

The accident happened on April 19th at 7:26 p.m. on Hooper Road between Devall Road and Greenwell Springs Road in Central, Louisiana, just outside of Baton Rouge. 

According to WAFB, the truck driver veered off the roadway to avoid an accident with a pickup that crossed the centerline. The semi truck then collided with utility poles and overturned, mangling the cab and trapping the driver inside.  

The Central Fire Department reports that all five Central fire stations, one heavy tow truck, and two medical crews responded to the wreck. 

“This would turn out to be the longest and most complex rescue operation in decades.  In total it took crews just under three hours to extricate the driver of the truck,” the Central Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post. 

The truck driver, Brandon Ray, did not appear to be seriously injured and was conscious throughout the entire rescue. He was transported to a hospital after the incident, but an update on his condition is not available. 

“Great work by all involved to have a positive outcome for the driver,” the fire Department wrote. 

No further information has been released.