CHESAPEAKE, Va. — First responders were able to free the driver of a tractor-trailer after the truck crashed into the wall of a bridge in Chesapeake, trapping the driver inside.
Virginia State Police say the crash happened shortly before 8:45 a.m. Monday on I-64 westbound at the High Rise Bridge. A large gust of wind pushed the empty trailer to the other lane, causing the driver to lose control and strike the bridge wall.
The impact of the crash was so strong, it left the tractor-trailer partially dangling off the right side of the bridge.
Thankfully, emergency crews were able to get the driver, Wayne B. Boone, out of the cab safely. Chesapeake firefighters say they had to stabilize the tractor-trailer first to prevent it from moving further. Then, they used a series of advanced rope maneuvers to lower 25-year-old technician Justin Beazley over the bridge, harness the driver, and pull him to safety.
He said he rappelled down to put a harness on the trapped driver.
“He didn’t say too much. We introduced ourselves and I said, 'Hey, I’m gonna put this harness on you and let’s get you out,'” Beazley recalled.
Even though Beazley said he’s gone through four years of training for this, the strong winds posed a problem.
"More challenging," he said. "Your heart is beating. I’m sure everybody else feels the same way."
Battalion Chief Shawn Emmond said his main concern was the entire setup and team getting blown over the edge.
“That bridge is almost 100 feet high, so you get some strong winds up there,” said Emmond.
They were able to conduct a successful rescue even through severe weather and while the vehicle was suspended 70 feet above the Elizabeth River.
Boone was alert at the time crews freed him. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. Police say he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and that alcohol did not contribute to the crash.
Firefighters like Beazley say this extraordinary teamwork’s something they choose every day.
“We signed up for anybody in my position would’ve done the same exact thing,” said Beazley.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will be releasing information on how much damage the bridge sustained.
