INDOT workers rescue elderly couple and pets after dump truck mangles minivan

Updated Dec 14, 2015
INDOT workers rescued an elderly couple and their pets from this mangled minivan after it was rear ended by a dump truck into their work zone. Photo Credit: Still from WSBT footageINDOT workers rescued an elderly couple and their pets from this mangled minivan after it was rear ended by a dump truck into their work zone. Photo Credit: Still from WSBT footage

An Indiana Department of Transportation road crew is being celebrated for its heroic actions after they helped save an elderly couple, as well as a dog and cat, from a minivan that was struck by a dump truck.

WSBT-TV reported that the crew was at work crack sealing U.S. 35 in Knox, Indiana, when a minivan stopped for the flagger as it neared the work zone. Moments later the van was rearended by a dump truck doing upwards of 60 miles per hour. It was reported that the dump truck driver fell asleep at the wheel.

INDOT highway technician Brad Foster said the van was “slingshot” about 600 into a nearby corn field.

The INDOT workers rushed to help the 69-year-old man and his 68-year-old wife. The woman was pinned between seats in the back seat of the van and broke her neck and wrist. The force of the collision was so powerful, the man’s seat was broken, injuring his back.

“I got inside the van talked to the gentleman. See where he was hurting. He wasn’t saying much. I was talking to the lady. And starting hold a c-spine on the gentleman,” INDOT crew leader and volunteer firefighter Garry McIntosh said.

The crews were also able to rescue a cat and a dog from the minivan, which appeared to have injured its leg. The couple doesn’t remember the crash, but their attorney said they were grateful for the INDOT crew’s actions.

“Our coworkers and myself and everybody we actually did a good job I think,” McIntosh said.