Newly released dash camera footage captured the terrifying moment a semi-truck crashed through the guardrail of a bridge and dangled precariously over the Ohio River on March 1. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Sydney Thomas, was seen frantically trying to regain control of the 18-wheeler after a pickup truck swerved into the northbound lane and crashed head-on into it. The incident, which happened on the Clark Memorial Bridge in Louisville, left the driver stuck in the cab as it hung over the edge of the bridge.
According to initial reports, the semi-truck was traveling northbound on the bridge when it suddenly veered off course, causing the driver to lose control. However, newly released footage from the dash camera of another vehicle showed that the truck had to make a quick maneuver to avoid a collision with the pickup truck. The footage is split-screen, with the top image showing the truck driver and the bottom image showing what was in front of the truck.
The sound of screeching wheels and the truck’s horn can be heard as the pickup truck swerves into the northbound lane and crashes into the semi-truck, causing it to crash through the guardrail. The driver can be heard screaming as the truck dangles over the edge of the bridge, more than 100 feet above the water. The footage then shows a first responder being lowered to the semi-truck from a ladder and rescuing Thomas.
🚨🇺🇸BREAKING: DASHCAM FOOTAGE REVEALS SEMI-TRUCK DANGLING FROM BRIDGE
Newly released dashcam footage shows the March 1 crash in Louisville, KY, where a semi-truck dangled off the 2nd Street Bridge for 45 minutes.
The incident involved four vehicles and was caused by Trevor W.… pic.twitter.com/nslbKpdmL8
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 17, 2024
The driver of the pickup truck, 33-year-old Trevor Branham, was charged with four counts of wanton endangerment and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. Clark Memorial Bridge, which connects Kentucky and Indiana, was closed for several hours as crews worked to remove the dangling semi-truck. The semi-truck, which belonged to a major food distribution company, had its trailer wedged against the beams of the bridge, preventing it from falling into the water.
The footage of the incident sparked discussions about the safety of the bridge and the need for stricter regulations for commercial vehicles. According to a spokesperson from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the bridge was last inspected in December 2019 and was deemed safe for travel. The spokesperson also stated that the guardrail, which the semi-truck crashed through, was designed to withstand impacts from vehicles weighing up to 40,000 pounds.
Meanwhile, Thomas has been hailed a hero for her quick thinking and actions, which prevented the truck from falling into the water and potentially causing a tragedy. She sustained minor injuries in the crash and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to officials, the prompt response and rescue efforts of the first responders played a crucial role in ensuring that no one was seriously injured in the incident.
The bridge was reopened to traffic after the dangling semi-truck was removed and repairs were made to the damaged guardrail. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of the aging bridge and the need for regular inspections and maintenance.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and it is not clear if any changes will be made to the guardrail or other safety measures on the bridge. In the meantime, drivers are advised to remain vigilant and cautious while driving on the bridge.
