Drivers on an Atlanta interstate saved a truck driver suffering a medical emergency behind the wheel.
The truck was heading north on the interstate near Georgia State University’s football stadium and began moving slowly, Joe Henke reported for 11 Alive News. The truck driver appeared to be unconscious, according to passengers in surrounding vehicles.
“I looked over to the right and I saw an older guy driving his car but he was leaned over,” witness Juordin Carter told 11 Alive. “He had passed out.”
Local Pastor Qua Tucker, driving to lunch after his church service, pulled over and began running alongside the truck and attempted to smash the window.
Witness videos show several people began pulling over to help the driver. They tried using mallets, a baby stroller and other items to break open the windows.
“Felt good to see people, strangers rather, regardless of race, sexuality, politics, political views or what now come together to help someone else,” Tucker told 11 Alive.
One of Tucker’s friends reportedly called police from the middle of the interstate.
“The operator was getting frustrated as I was panicking because you know we are on the highway with all of this traffic coming,” he told reporters. “It was just a crazy scene.”
Eventually, a woman was able to break the truck’s rear window. She reportedly got into the truck and unlocked the door. Someone got in, parked and turned the truck off.
Strangers comforted the truck driver until paramedics arrived. One woman took the man’s phone and called his wife.
“I stayed right there and let her know everything that’s going on and what hospital and to follow up and let us know,” she told 11 Alive.
Atlanta Police Department officers said in a report that the man “appeared to be suffering medical distress.”
The driver’s wife reportedly told some of those who were at the scene that the driver was recovering well in the hospital. Luckily, there were no other injuries.
