A dramatic rescue unfolded in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday morning when a tractor trailer driver found himself trapped in his vehicle after a crash on the I-65 elevated train.
The incident reportedly caused a taxi to dangle precariously at the edge, as detailed by NBC News on Tuesday.
In distress, the driver called 911, expressing his fear of dying. Fortunately, the dispatcher calmed him, assuring him that help was on the way.
Upon arriving at the scene, first responders used chains to stabilize the truck and set up a rescue, lowering firefighters into the cab using rope systems and cranes.
Once secured in a harness, the driver was lifted out of the vehicle, as shown in a video, while other firefighters stood ready below to catch him when he reached the ground:
Fire Chief Brian O’Neill shared that the first responder maintained contact with the driver, who managed to stay calm throughout the 30-minute ordeal.
O’Neill noted that the driver was very cooperative in getting secured in the harness to ensure his safety.
“We often encounter people on their worst days, so knowing this person is now safe and will be back with his family—that’s what makes our job worthwhile,” O’Neill stated.
According to WLKY, Interstates 65, 64, and 71 converge in this area, contributing to traffic confusion that can lead to accidents, as was the case with other incidents over the weekend.
The rescued driver expressed his gratitude to the firefighters for their assistance and reassured them he was alright.
