Stations 1, 19 and 26 responded to a two vehicle MVC on I-95 at the 61 mile marker northbound at 0354, Monday morning 21-Dec. A north bound flatbed tractor trailer loaded with fencing materials struck the rear of an unoccupied disabled car in the break down lane. The truck lost control, slid sideways and overturned entering the woods. The load spilled as the over-turned cab plowed down multiple pine trees causing extensive damage to the truck. The cab was nearly crushed in half. The driver was heavily entrapped upside down in the wreckage. Firefighter-Paramedics found the driver conscious, but were only able to see his head in the mangled cab. A chain saw was used to cut trees off of the cab, so firefighters could work. Crews began the tedious extrication effort using multiple hydraulic rescue tools. Two Holmatro spreaders were used to remove the passenger side cab door and a cutter was used to cut the seat supports to remove the passenger seat. Another crew used two reciprocating saws to cut off the back and a portion of the fiberglass roof from the sleeper cab. This allowed Firefighter-Paramedics to enter the cab and reach the driver. Warmed IV fluids and heat packs were used in an effort to keep the man warm, since access was limited and temperatures were at 30 degrees. He was

pinned by his legs.  

Crews worked for two hours tunneling into the over-turned cab. Chains were rigged on a pine tree and attached to steering column, so a hydraulic spreader could dislodge the steering column. Additional tools were used to cut the driver’s seat supports. The driver was finally extricated two hours later at 0615 after two hydraulic rams were fitted into the confines of the cab and displaced the wall, floor and dash. He was moved to a back board, immobilized and extricated through the back wall of the sleeper. The man was placed in Medic 26, treated for his injuries and hypothermia. The Omniflight Medical Helicopter had flown to Colleton Medical Center around 0430 and stood by until the extrication was complete in effort to keep one lane of I-95 open. Following the extrication, they flew to the scene and landed on the Interstate. The Kissimmee Florida man was flown to the Trauma Center at MUSC with multiple traumatic injuries. One firefighter was injured when he received several lacerations on his leg from razor wire which had been part of the cargo on the truck. Several cases of the razor wire were in the debris from the displaced load. He was treated and released from Colleton Medical Center. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.  

Engine 26, Medic 19, Medic 26, Rescue 1, Battalion1 and Truck 12 responded. Battalion Chief Richard Sheffield served as Incident Commander.