A truck driver reaching for a water bottle led to a crash early this morning.
Police say the driver lost control of the truck and it burst into flames.
A good Samaritan helped to save the driver.
The accident occurred on I-64 near Mercury Blvd. overnight.
As the fire tore through, a pair of brave people pulled the big rig driver to safety.
State police say the big rig driver had just gotten onto 64 and was reaching for a bottle of water as his truck approached a street sweeping operation.
State police sergeant Michelle Anaya says truck driver Marc Abraham of Newport News saw what was ahead and swerved to miss what's coincidentally called a "crash truck.” It's a vehicle that carries a flashing arrow in work zones.
Police say Abraham's truck hit that vehicle, lost control, rolled and burst into flames after hitting the Mercury Boulevard barrier.
A nearby trooper and a man traveling with his family successfully pulled Abraham to safety. He was not hurt.
Anaya remembers the close call.
“As soon as the first tire popped, I wanted everyone away because I've seen vehicles explode and gas tanks explode. It could have been a lot worse,” says Anaya.
State police say Abraham was cited for reckless driving.
The driver of the work zone vehicle that was hit was treated at a nearby hospital but is expected to be okay.
