A Tennessee truck driver who climbed into an overturned dump truck to rescue its injured operator has been recognized by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) as a Highway Angel.
Patrick Fluegel, a driver for Crosslin Trucking, received the recognition after stopping at a crash on Interstate 65 near Franklin, Tennessee. He helped free a fellow trucker who was trapped inside the cab, suspended by his seat belt and unable to release it.
The rescue took place July 6, but TCA recently shared Fluegel’s account while announcing his Highway Angel recognition.
Driver Stops After Witnessing Crash on Interstate 65
Fluegel was returning to a lumber yard after completing a delivery when he noticed two dump trucks traveling ahead of him. At approximately 9:30 a.m., just south of the Interstate 840 interchange, one of the trucks suddenly veered off the highway.
The truck went down an embankment and overturned onto its side. Fluegel later told TCA that he wasn’t certain whether a mechanical failure or tire problem had caused the crash.
He immediately pulled over and ran toward the damaged truck. Inside, he found the driver conscious but hanging from his seat belt, unable to release the buckle.
Fluegel initially tried reaching him through the upper portion of the overturned vehicle. When that proved unsuccessful, he kicked out a window and climbed into the cab.
With the driver suspended against the restraint, Fluegel lifted him enough to relieve the pressure on the seat belt. He then released the buckle and helped him out of the truck.
Injured Driver Receives Assistance
Once both men were outside, Fluegel helped the injured driver reach another motorist’s vehicle, where he could sit while awaiting assistance.
Fluegel remained at the scene until the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrived. Later that day, he learned the other driver had survived but sustained multiple fractures involving his pelvis and hip.
Reflecting on his decision to stop, Fluegel told TCA that he acted on instinct.
“Somebody was going to have to stop, and I stopped that day,” he said.
His actions earned him recognition through TCA’s Highway Angel program, which highlights professional truck drivers who assist others during emergencies or provide exceptional help while working.
TCA Highway Angel Program Recognizes Drivers Who Help Others
The Truckload Carriers Association established the Highway Angel program in 1997. Since then, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have received recognition for acts of kindness, assistance, and courage on the road.
The program recognizes incidents involving professional drivers who go beyond their regular responsibilities to help fellow motorists, other truckers, and members of the public.
EpicVue serves as the program’s presenting sponsor, with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance providing additional support.
For Fluegel, the recognition follows a rescue that began with a decision to stop when another truck driver needed help. His quick response allowed him to reach the injured man inside the overturned cab and get him out before emergency personnel arrived.
The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.
Last Updated: November 4, 2026
Source: Truckers News
Image Source: TCA, Patrick Fluegel
