Eagle Scout saves driver after 18-wheeler turns over in Diboll

DIBOLL, Texas (KTRE) - A 16-year-old Eagle Scout jumped into action when he saw an 18-wheeler overturn right in front of him.

Ryan Bradfield described the heroic act as “I grabbed the tools, and as hard as I can, started beating on it and started ripping glass out as much as I could, and when I saw him shift over kicking the windshield out, I was like, ‘ok that’s good, he’s good”.

Bradfield safely pulled the truck driver out after being overturned off FM 1818 in Diboll.

He says Thursday morning he was leaving his home on his way to pick up his girlfriend. The 18-wheeler was carrying a load of wood chips, and as soon as the trailer made a turn, Bradfield saw dust come from out of the trees.

“When I made the corner, I saw him overturn so the first thing I thought was whoa, my instinct was to get him out,” he said.

Bradfield said once he was able to pull the driver out, he saw cuts all over the driver’s arm. He administered first aid and wrapped his arm, making sure pressure was applied while waiting for first responders to arrive.

Bradfield explained the driver’s reaction, “at first he was shocked and started crying a little bit, but after that, I calmed him down and he appreciated me and shook my hand.”

His father, Randall Bradfield, was leader of the Boy Scouts Troop 128 and watched his childrens’ journey throughout the years.

“It felt good. I’m just really glad he didn’t freeze. I’m really glad he knew what to do and he was able to help that man out. I mean, God put him here in the right place at the right time,” he expressed.

According to the Bradfield family, the driver was conscious and talking to paramedics when he left in the ambulance.

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