Escambia Man’s Dump Truck Goes Off I-10 Into The Blackwater River

May 8, 2020

Shortly after I-10 in Santa Rosa County reopened Friday, an Escambia County man and his dump truck ended up in the Blackwater River.

The unloaded dump truck drive by a 42-year old Pensacola man was driving west on I-10 approaching the Blackwater River Bridge when his front left tire failed and came apart, according to a preliminary FHP investigation. The vehicle traveled toward the grassy median, collided with a steel guardrail between the two bridge spans and became airborne. FHP estimates the dump truck fell about 55 feet when it crashed into the river.

The driver was rescued by four FHP troopers. He was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.

I-10 from Avalon Boulevard to Highway 87 had been closed since Wednesday due to smoke from a massive wildfire.

Comments

6 Responses to “Escambia Man’s Dump Truck Goes Off I-10 Into The Blackwater River”

  1. Jdub on May 9th, 2020 8:42 am

    Oh gosh, bet that was one heck of a ride. Prayers for swift recovery of driver. Way to go FHP & Fire Rescue for getting this guy out safely.

  2. Craig Ammons on May 8th, 2020 10:33 pm

    Ben Barnes. The axe is part of a 2 tool set called the “Irons”. The other tool that makes up the set is a Haligan Bar. If you zoom in it is the solver tool strapped to the axe. Firefighters use these tools for forcible entry into buildings and vehicles. Given the location of the vehicle the firefighters may not have been able to use their powered rescue tools. The only power the irons need is manpower.

  3. Dalton on May 8th, 2020 9:44 pm

    OMG!! One of my worst fears is having an accident where I go over a bridge into water. I would have ruined my pants before I hit the water lol. Hope the driver is ok.

  4. Carlos E McGugin on May 8th, 2020 9:36 pm

    ben barnes, the driver was injured.

  5. Alan on May 8th, 2020 9:33 pm

    Wow, what a ride. Hope he recovers.

  6. ben barnes on May 8th, 2020 8:19 pm

    don’t look like any one hurt, but i wonder what the axe is for.