County truck driver recovering from injuries after being pinned in vehicle
A Washtenaw County Road Commission truck driver is home recovering from minor injuries he received after being pinned in his vehicle in an accident Tuesday, officials said.
The veteran driver in his 50s was hospitalized briefly Tuesday after the salt truck he was driving rolled over during an attempt to help some firefighters stuck on an icy gravel road in Superior Township.
The driver of this salt truck was pinned in after it slid off icy Joy Road in Superior Township and rolled over Tuesday morning. The man was rescued through the windshield.
Courtesy of the Washtenaw County Road Commission
Firefighters had to cut out of the windshield of the salt truck to get the driver out.
Jim Harmon, director of operations for the road commission, said the driver took Wednesday off and expected him to return to work soon.
The driver’s truck was carrying at least half a load of sand, Harmon said.
The truck’s subframe was bent in the accident, Harmon said, and the chassis is being examined for damage.
The truck’s diesel engine was running on its side for a period of time, which could cause some additional problems, Harmon said.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Ross
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 7:14 p.m.
How come his minor injuries prevented him from turning the engine off and simply opening the door and climbing out? Why did they have to smash out the windshield instead of just opening the driver's door? Was he found unconscious? Story doesn't make much sense.
Fat Bill
Thu, Jan 31, 2013 : 3:34 a.m.
Ross, ever try to open a truck door straight up and down? This truck is rolled over, the entire weight of the door is pressing down. In addition, having just been banged up, there is not much about the interior of a modern truck cab that is designed for climbing. Taking injured drivers through the windshield is the standard practice, it is simple and less dangerous. Windshields are relatively cheap.
Major
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 9:16 p.m.
I'm guessing he got the bejeebers knocked out of him! With insurance, laws and internal policies the way they are now, I'm sure the first responders told him not to move!
justcurious
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 6:19 p.m.
Why another story on this if he only had minor injuries? Just curious.