Heroes Rescue Driver Survives Truck Dangling Off Highway Bridge

A heart-pounding rescue was captured on video last week when a truck was teetering over the edge of a highway near the Surrey/Delta border in Vancouver. 

Credit: CTV News

According to the Vancouver Sun, Delta police say the incident occurred in the westbound lanes of Highway 17 on Thursday afternoon, although how and why the truck went through the barrier and over the edge is still under investigation. 

Sharlene Brooks of the Delta police said fire crews managed to get the driver out of the truck. “They just needed to make sure the vehicle was somewhat secure in order to get him out of the driver’s seat. He was the only occupant of the vehicle, which is again, very fortunate,” said Brooks. “We tried to call him but his phone was on the floor of the passenger side and he wasn’t moving.” 

Apparently, a toolbox fastened to the undercarriage of the truck is credited for stabilizing the truck on the barrier and preventing it from tumbling over the ledge. The unnamed driver works for Canadian Slab Distributors, whose human resources manager says the driver spent 30 intense minutes stuck in the truck. 

“He was sitting really still. He was so scared he was going to go over. It’s a good thing for that toolbox,” Jennifer Zandvliet told the Vancouver Sun. Zandvliet only learned of the accident after seeing pictures of the truck on news websites. “I zoomed in on the logo and it was our truck,” she said. “We tried to call him but his phone was on the floor of the passenger side and he wasn’t moving. I am just so happy he is safe.”

The driver was extracted from the vehicle, although he was taken to the hospital suffering serious injuries. According to reports, he is now at home resting. 

SOURCE: Lifedaily