CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA — A truck driver who is also a volunteer firefighter pulled off a remarkable rescue on US-70 in Craven County Friday when he chased down a runaway tractor-trailer whose driver had suffered a medical emergency, climbed onto the moving cab using the driver’s side mirror, got inside, and brought the truck to a stop.
Russell Brock was working his day job driving for Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management Authority in New Bern when he received word through firefighter communications that the driver of a nearby tractor-trailer was reportedly unresponsive. Moving his vehicle ahead of the truck, Brock pulled alongside and saw the driver slumped in the seat while the rig continued moving.
Brock stopped his own truck further up the highway, jumped out, and ran toward the approaching semi. He climbed onto the tractor using the driver’s side mirror and attempted to communicate with the driver — who turned out to be responsive but disoriented and said he was unable to stop the vehicle.
Brock opened the cab door, climbed inside, shut off the ignition, and engaged the braking system, bringing the truck to a stop.
The driver, who works for a company contracted by CRSWMA to haul solid waste from transfer stations to the Tuscarora Landfill, has not been publicly identified. Details of his medical condition were not released.
Brock serves as a volunteer firefighter with Jasper Township 9 Volunteer Fire Department in addition to his day job as a truck driver.
“We are incredibly thankful this incident ended without a more serious outcome,” said CRSWMA Executive Director Bobby Darden. “Russell encountered an unpredictable and dangerous situation and took action. We are proud of his willingness to act when help was needed, and we are equally grateful to the law enforcement officers and emergency responders whose efforts helped protect the traveling public throughout the incident.”
Information courtesy of Coastal Environmental Partnership.
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