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Video: NJ Troopers Save Driver Just Before Truck Explodes

Two New Jersey State Troopers rescued a semi-conscious driver from a burning truck earlier this week, pulling him to safety just before the vehicle exploded in flames.

March 4, 2020
Video: NJ Troopers Save Driver Just Before Truck Explodes

Two New Jersey State troopers pulled a driver from a burning truck just in time.

Credit:

Photo: CBS New York video screen capture


Two New Jersey State Troopers saved a driver from a burning truck earlier this week, and their actions were captured on video.

The dramatic footage shows a truck driver pulled from his burning vehicle on I-287 in Bridgewater Township, NJ, on Monday afternoon, after officials said he swerved off the highway into a guardrail and bridge.

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"Within a second the cab burst into flames," Lt. Edward Ryer told CBS New York . "Initially, when I saw it hit the bridge I knew it was going to be a bad accident and then when I saw the flames I knew it went from bad to worse."

Ryer and Trooper Robert Tarleton were in the right place at the right time. Ryer was on his way home and pulled over. Tarleton was in the middle of a motor vehicle stop and stopped what he was doing, jumped in his car, and called for help over the radio.

Troopers pull man from fiery truck seconds before it explodes! For press release, go to https://t.co/Jjea3Q1RS0 pic.twitter.com/I9r3DlQ95z

— NJSP - State Police (@NJSP) March 3, 2020

 

According to an agency press release, "Trooper Tarleton and Lieutenant Ryer then worked together to pull the driver from the burning cab, dragging him to safety, seconds before it exploded."

The agency said the driver sustained minor injuries in the crash and was transported to Morristown Medical Center for evaluation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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