A tractor-trailer hauling US mail plunged off a bridge and into the cold Charles River near Boston on Saturday morning, but the driver amazingly survived after taking refuge on top of the truck and shouting to first responders that he couldn’t swim.
The State Police Association of Massachusetts released video showing the horrific moment the vehicle dropped about 50 feet off the bridge along the Interstate 95 to Interstate 90 offramp in Weston.
As the truck’s cab became inundated in water, the driver climbed out and waited for assistance.
The motorist, whose identity was withheld, was sent to a nearby hospital for evaluation. However, there were no reported injuries.
According to Weston Deputy Fire Chief Justin Woodside, firefighters responded quickly since they were already out on the road shoveling hydrants following Friday’s snowstorm.
Driver Rescued After Tractor-Trailer Carrying Mail Crashes Into Charles River
According to NBC 10, large duty tow trucks were called in to pull the truck out of the river. During the procedure, the truck split in half, spilling mail into the river.
According to the Boston Globe, the truck was hauling mail and goods for the United States Postal Service in Brockton, which was notified of the collision.
Postal officials told the Globe in a statement that the inspection division is investigating the crash with state and local law enforcement.
‘The disposition of any mail on board will be determined by Postal Inspectors once their investigation is completed,’ the statement said.
The ramp was closed for the majority of the day before being reopened at 10 p.m., according to State Police. According to authorities, no fuel appeared to have seeped into the river. The crash’s cause is being investigated.
Source: Daily Mail
