HOUSTON — A driver was rescued by firefighters as an overturned box truck was hanging off an overpass on the North Freeway Wednesday morning, according to the Houston Police Department.
The rescue was caught on video by Air 11.
According to Houston TranStar, it happened during rush hour around 7:20 a.m. in the inbound lanes of I-45 near Crosstimbers.
About two dozen Houston firefighters described how they got the guy to safety.
“I was just basically hanging on the end of the knot to secure the victim to the harness and allow those guys to do what they do on top,” HFD rescue 11 technician Jay Dummett said. “Extricate the victim or the patient and bring him out safely so he goes home to his family tomorrow morning.”
The driver, who was pinned between the dashboard and the door, was glad to see the firefighters during his terrifying ordeal.
“He was pretty nervous and scared,” Dummett said.
They tried to keep him calm during the rescue process.
“Talking to him letting him know letting him know what we are doing and setting up,” Dummett explained.
The box truck driver played a part in breaking free too.
“We actually utilized inside the vehicle, he helped rescue himself there,” HFD Captain Billy Martin said. “We get them involved because it takes their mind off of the pain.”
The HFD crews said the driver was very fortunate.
“For him, yes it’s a miracle the way he was situated, the way the truck came to rest and did not come over the overpass,” Dummett said.
At last check, the driver was recovering in a local hospital but thanks to his rescuers, he’ll be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family.
“It takes the entire team to get it done,” Martin said.
WATCH: Here was the live stream of the rescue:
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