A trucker has been recognized for his response at the scene of a hazmat crash last month.
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Lamar Buckwalter, a professional driver with Buckwalter Trucking LLC, a TCA Highway Angel for his heroic actions and quick response following a hazardous rollover crash in Colorado.
TCA explains:
Lamar BuckwalterOn April 2 at about 2 a.m., Buckwalter was traveling eastbound on Route 34 near Greeley, Colorado, during a wind advisory affecting high-profile vehicles. While driving, he observed a tanker truck several lengths ahead suddenly veer off course before overturning, sending sparks, debris, and a cloud of dust into the air.
“I’ve always believed that God puts us in the right places at the right times. Tonight He proved this once again,” said Buckwalter. “All I could hear was the driver screaming, ‘Get me out of here, I’m hauling hazmat!’”
Recognizing the urgency and danger of the situation, Buckwalter safely brought his truck to a stop and ran to assist. Upon reaching the overturned tanker, he made contact with the driver, who initially indicated he was not pinned but unable to escape. Moments later, the driver became unresponsive. Acting quickly, Buckwalter broke through the windshield and, despite exposure to debris and engine fluids, successfully pulled the driver from the wreckage.
Shortly after being removed, the driver regained consciousness. Concerned about the hazardous materials onboard, both men moved away from the vehicle to a safer distance. Another passerby stopped and contacted emergency services. Buckwalter remained with the injured driver, who had sustained bruising and head injuries, providing reassurance and support until first responders arrived. He later accompanied the driver in the ambulance so he could contact his employer and family, and then provided a statement to law enforcement.
“The officer told me he was very impressed with how quickly everything happened,” said Buckwalter. “I just did what I hope anyone else would do in that situation.”
Since the TCA Highway Angel program’s inception in 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA is able to spotlight outstanding drivers like Buckwalter.
Lamar Buckwalter
