On Thursday evening around 7:52 pm., Portageville Rescue and New Madrid Rescue were dispatched to Interstate 55 at the 43-mile marker northbound for a two-vehicle crash involving entrapment.
At the time of the incident, the interstate was already reduced to one lane with heavy traffic due to a previous vehicle fire that New Madrid Fire was working near the 47-mile marker.
Upon arrival, crews found a Ford Explorer had struck the rear of a semi-truck, becoming lodged underneath the trailer. The driver was alert but seriously pinned inside the vehicle.
Emergency crews from New Madrid and Portageville worked for an extended period, alongside JSH Towing, to safely free the driver. Once extricated, the driver was airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Incidents like this require tremendous teamwork and dedication. Thank you to all first responders who worked together to provide the best possible care.