Sleeping driver escapes flaming truck in possible arson

A driver sleeping inside of his cab was able to escape the truck without injury after it was possibly set on fire. 

The fire occurred on Wednesday morning, November 20th at Northwest 2nd Avenue and 77th Street in Miami, Florida, reported NBC Miami.

“I woke up to this loud sound of burning rubber and the entire cab was already engulfed in smoke,” said truck driver Winston Stoute. 

Stoute was able to grab a few of his things before safely exiting the burning truck, but he says the main thought on his mind was “Here goes my livelihood,”

Stoute is a truck driver of the last 15 years and is an owner operator. After doing a walkaround of his rig, he says he believes someone intentionally set his truck on fire. 

“There was a cushion that was placed underneath the door over my fuel tank someone set on fire,” Stoute said.

He says he’s thankful to be alive, but is unsure of how to provide for his family going forward. 

“I guess it wasn’t the time,” Stoute said. “Of course I’m angry at the act, but since I don’t know who did it and why, it’s hard for me to pass judgment.”

“I just have to be positive and keep my prayers but right now my biggest concern is trying to get back on the road,” Stoute said.

The Miami police are actively investigating the incident as arson. No further information has been released.