In the early hours of Friday morning, a severe vehicular accident occurred on the New York State Thruway Southbound between Exits 16 and 15A, where a tractor-trailer was reported to be fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters, Kiryas Joel Hatzolah, and the New York State Police were promptly on the scene to manage the emergency.
Amidst the chaos, the driver of the tractor-trailer was found trapped inside the burning vehicle. In a remarkable act of heroism, Garnett Gibbs and Dwayne Stewart, two Good Samaritans, and an off-duty police officer who was at the scene, bravely rescued the driver from the inferno. Stewart shared his life-saving actions with Monsey Scoop on the scene.
It’s worth noting that Garnett Gibbs played a pivotal role in the rescue operation as he was the one who initially helped pull out the driver, Mr. Stewart, and the off-duty officer from the dangerous situation. Their joint efforts were instrumental in saving a life that hung in the balance.
Adding to the dramatic scene, a medevac helicopter landed on the Thruway to transport the injured driver to a hospital.
Due to the incident, the southbound section of the NYS Thruway from Exit 16 to Exit 15A was temporarily shut down. This measure was essential for the safety of the emergency responders and to allow for the thorough clearing of the accident site.
The rescued driver is currently receiving medical care, and authorities have praised Stewart and Gibbs for their selfless acts of bravery. The quick response of the emergency services and their courageous intervention were crucial in averting a greater tragedy. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of both the unpredictability of road travel and the incredible acts of heroism displayed by individuals in times of crisis.
