In a heart-stopping incident in Louisville, Kentucky, a truck driver faced a harrowing ordeal as her vehicle crashed through a bridge barrier, leaving it perilously suspended over the edge. However, thanks to the swift and heroic efforts of firefighters, she was successfully rescued and emerged from the incident unscathed, as captured in gripping videos of the dramatic rescue operation.
The attention now turns to the challenging task of safely removing the dangling truck from its precarious position above the Ohio River. While investigations into the cause of the accident are underway, authorities have announced the closure of the bridge for an extended period to facilitate the necessary operations.
BREAKING: Heroic rescue made as semi-truck hangs off a bridge over the Ohio River.
Insane.
The truck was hanging over the Ohio River on the Clark Memorial Bridge, also known as the 2nd Street Bridge after getting into a collision.
The crash initially happened around noon… pic.twitter.com/gjaLtiqOIR
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 1, 2024
Describing the incident as a “motor vehicle collision,” police have urged commuters to steer clear of the area until further notice. Firefighters, employing ropes and ladders, managed to secure the driver and swiftly bring her back onto the bridge within a remarkably short span of 45 minutes, ensuring that no one was endangered in the process.
Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neill commended the driver for her remarkable composure during the ordeal, noting her calm demeanor throughout the rescue operation. He emphasized the fortunate outcome, emphasizing that it was “extremely lucky” that the vehicle did not plunge into the water below, which sits approximately 75 feet (23 meters) beneath the bridge.
Reflecting on the daring rescue, firefighter Bryce Carden expressed confidence in his team’s training, acknowledging that while they have encountered various challenges before, this particular incident stood out as one of the most extraordinary.
Meanwhile, the city’s mayor, Craig Greenberg, lauded the swift response of emergency responders, acknowledging their unmatched bravery and life-saving efforts. Sysco, the company that owns the truck involved in the accident, expressed profound gratitude to the rescue services and law enforcement for their prompt and effective resolution of the incident.
In a statement, Sysco emphasized its commitment to safety and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing law enforcement investigation. The company extended its gratitude to the first responders for their courageous efforts in ensuring the safety of their colleague and resolving the situation without any harm.