A selfless semi truck driver lost his life saving a couple from peril before dying in an electric vehicle-fueled blaze on Interstate 10 in Tucson, Arizona, according to authorities.
Crash Details
The unidentified driver was heading eastbound on I-10 when his passenger-side front tire blew out, the Arizona Department of Public Safety reported. He was hauling a trailer carrying other vehicles. The blowout caused him to strike a guardrail, roll over it, and tumble into a median around 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The trailer immediately caught fire, killing the driver.
Witness Account
Amanda and Raymond Cota were traveling next to the trailer when the tire exploded. Amanda told KOLD: 'We were right at the tire of the semi, it was right by our driver's window when it popped. And then he just started veering towards us, and I saw him grab the wheel to correct the blowout.' The couple believes the driver's decision to hit the guardrail instead of veering toward them saved their lives.
Family Gratitude
The Cotas, parents of three children, said their only thought during the collision was getting home safely. Amanda recalled: 'That just flashed before our eyes as not making it home to our babies.' Her husband added: 'I thank him. Because if it weren't for those maneuvers, I don't think we would be here talking to you right now.'
Electric Vehicle Fire
After the crash, the couple heard 'explosions after explosion after explosion' as the truck ignited with the driver inside. Amanda described: 'And then the fire just kept getting bigger and bigger.' Some of the 10 vehicles on the trailer were electric, which are known to burn uncontrollably and rapidly, causing explosions.
Investigation Ongoing
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet identified him or explained why he could not escape the truck's cab. The investigation is ongoing.
