Kansas City, Missouri — Joshua Tyler, an ABF Freight professional driver and United States Army veteran, earned national recognition from the Truckload Carriers Association as a Highway Angel after rescuing two motorists from a burning car on Interstate 670 near the Kansas-Missouri state line. The dangerous incident unfolded at 4:28 a.m. on August 17 as Tyler headed home from a freight run out of Denver and spotted heavy flames shooting from the engine compartment of a disabled passenger vehicle.
Realizing the gravity of the situation immediately, Tyler brought his rig to a safe stop, grabbed his onboard fire extinguisher, and ran toward the stranded automobile. Both occupants remained trapped inside the burning vehicle while intense heat radiated from the metal hood. Tyler bypassed opening the hood due to the extreme temperature and instead discharged his extinguisher through the front grill to beat back the flames long enough for the trapped individuals to escape without injury.
Once the motorists evacuated the car, they attempted to dash back toward the interior to grab personal items as the fire intensified. Tyler dialed 911 after confirming no emergency calls had been placed yet, ordered the pair to retreat to a safe perimeter, and emptied his extinguisher. When his suppression unit ran dry, the veteran trucker used his high-visibility vest and flashlight to direct fast-moving traffic around the burning wreckage until emergency responders arrived on the scene to take control.
What This Means for Drivers
Professional truck drivers and owner-operators routinely face chaotic highway emergencies while running irregular shifts across interstate corridors. Incidents like this highlight the vital role that CDL-A holders play in highway safety beyond hauling freight for trucking companies hiring nationwide. OTR truck drivers maintain a unique vantage point from their high cabs, often serving as the first line of defense when motorists encounter vehicle failures or catastrophic accidents during early-morning hours.
Industry Reaction
The Truckload Carriers Association continues to highlight acts of selfless heroism through its Highway Angel program, bringing public attention to the positive impact commercial drivers make every day on American roadways. Industry advocacy groups frequently emphasize that commercial motor vehicle operators routinely put their own safety at risk to assist stranded motorists, demonstrating a level of dedication that goes far beyond standard delivery schedules.
Key Points
- Joshua Tyler drives for ABF Freight and served in the United States Army.
- The rescue occurred at 4:28 a.m. on August 17 along Interstate 670.
- Tyler used his onboard fire extinguisher and directed traffic until emergency personnel arrived.
- The Truckload Carriers Association honored Tyler with the Highway Angel designation.
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