NORFOLK, Va. — Traffic came to a standstill just before noon on Tuesday after a semi caught on fire near the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. However, one driver shared with 13News Now that he stepped in to help when he noticed.
Akeem Dixon of Newport News said he was on his way to a job interview on Tuesday when he noticed something while driving through the HRBT.
"I was in the tunnel going to the Norfolk side, and beside me, I see a tractor-trailer, so I was observing, I was observing my surroundings, and I see like a fire under the truck," said Dixon.
Dixon, who also said he worked as a firefighter from Guantanamo Bay, said he knew he had to take action. He honked his horn, but it didn't get the driver's attention, so he decided to pull in front of the semi.
"So soon as we get inside the tunnel, I just drive right in front of him, put my forward flashers on, and I slowed right down to a complete stop, then he stopped behind me and was like there's a fire underneath your truck, there's a fire, there's a fire," said Dixon.
Dixon said the driver got out of the semi and Dixon told him to grab the fire extinguisher inside his tractor-trailer, but he said there was too much smoke inside the cabin.
"I tell him to leave the truck because it's going to blow any minute. Just leave it and come to my car. Let's move to my car, far away from the truck. As soon as we move from the truck and close to my car, we hear a boom," said Dixon.
Dixon said the engine blew up. He said they called 911 when they were safely in his car. Dixon said the driver was grateful that he had taken action but did not consider himself a hero.
"Do good, and good will always be with you," said Dixon.