One trucker helps save another from fiery crash in Iowa

Updated May 11, 2015
Fire consumed at least three trucks in I-80 accident (KWWL photo)

Several trucks were involved in a series of fiery crashes — and an ensuing rescue effort — on I-80 in Iowa Friday.

Reports say 30 people were injured, but no one was killed.

The first crash occurred at about 3 p.m. near Williamsburg. Other accidents followed as oncoming vehicles slammed into traffic backed up along the highway.

The Des Moines Register reports that Dennis Holcomb, a 53-year-old trucker from Sumner, S.C., saw one accident in his rearview mirror and rushed to help pull an unconscious fellow driver from a burning vehicle.

Holcomb said a semi rear-ended the stalled vehicles and burst into flames. He and other motorists pulled the unconscious driver from the burning truck through an overhead window.

Diesel fuel from the truck semi spread across the interstate, igniting other vehicles. Law enforcement officials said two passenger vehicles, two semis, and a bus were destroyed by fire.