(Rightallegiance.com) – In a harrowing incident on the Clark Memorial Bridge, which serves as a vital link over the Ohio River in Kentucky, emergency personnel were called into action following a catastrophic accident involving a semi-truck. The incident unfolded shortly after noon local time when the northbound truck veered off its path, piercing through the guardrails of the bridge and teetering on the brink of plunging into the waters below.
Eyewitness accounts and local media reports detail a scene of suspense and urgency as the truck, identified by its Sysco branding—a company known for its food distribution services in New York and New Jersey—hung precariously over the edge. The truck’s trailer was caught against the bridge’s structural beams, a precarious position that prevented a potentially disastrous fall into the river.
A particularly dramatic moment was captured and shared widely, showing a Louisville firefighter being carefully lowered to the truck in a daring rescue operation. The firefighter, Bryce Carden, was tasked with securing the truck’s driver, whose identity has not been disclosed. The dramatic rescue, which took approximately 40 minutes to complete, was described by Fire Chief Brian O’Neill as a “once-in-a-career” event.
Chief O’Neill recounted the driver’s remarkable composure throughout the ordeal, praising her for maintaining her calm under such extreme stress. “She held it together like a champ,” O’Neill noted, adding that the emotional toll of the experience became visible once she was safely on solid ground. Carden, reflecting on his role in the rescue, emphasized the mutual support between him and the driver, sharing moments of prayer amidst the chaos.
The precarious positioning of the truck caused significant concern among the first responders, with fears that any movement could lead to the vehicle falling. Despite the tense situation, communication with the driver was maintained, ensuring she remained calm until help arrived. She was later transported to a hospital as a precautionary measure, having been found in stable condition.
The incident also involved two other vehicles that were significantly damaged. One of the individuals involved was reported to be in a more serious condition compared to the semi-truck driver and was promptly taken to a medical facility for treatment.
As efforts to manage the aftermath of the crash continue, the Clark Memorial Bridge has been closed to all traffic. Authorities are now faced with the challenge of safely removing the Sysco truck from its precarious perch without causing further risk to the structure or the river below. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with officials seeking to understand the sequence of events that led to this dramatic and dangerous situation.