Driver saves fellow trucker from hot asphalt leak after crash

Updated Nov 5, 2014

Driver Bill Hunt’s help in an April 2014 crash helped save the life of a fellow truck operator. Below is his story, with illustrations done by Don Lomax: 

Bill Hunt, driving for Crossett Inc. of Warren, Pa., on April 21, 2014, sees a wreck on Route 59. A tractor has flipped, dragging an asphalt tanker along the guard rail, ripping holes in it.Bill Hunt, driving for Crossett Inc. of Warren, Pa., on April 21, 2014, sees a wreck on Route 59. A tractor has flipped, dragging an asphalt tanker along the guard rail, ripping holes in it.

 

8,000 gallons of searing asphalt are leaking close to the driver, who is pinned by the crushed roof. Only his left hand is visible!8,000 gallons of searing asphalt are leaking close to the driver, who is pinned by the crushed roof. Only his left hand is visible!

 

As Hunt takes the driver’s hand to find a pulse, the driver cries out for help!As Hunt takes the driver’s hand to find a pulse, the driver cries out for help!

 

Unable to extract him, Hunt gets a shovel and digs trenches to divert the molten asphalt away from the driver!Unable to extract him, Hunt gets a shovel and digs trenches to divert the molten asphalt away from the driver!

 

Hunt stays with the driver until emergency personnel take over. It takes them almost three hours to extract the injured man.Hunt stays with the driver until emergency personnel take over. It takes them almost three hours to extract the injured man.

 

The Truckload Carriers Association named Bill Hunt a Highway Angel, and Overdrive names him a Knight of the Road.The Truckload Carriers Association named Bill Hunt a Highway Angel, and Overdrive names him a Knight of the Road.
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