MCCURTAIN COUNTY, Okla. — A big rig driver escaped injury after attempting to drive his truck through high water, and ended up rolling over and being carried into a woodline in McCurtain County, Okla. on Tuesday.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) said the incident occurred south of Smithville, Okla.
The truck was loaded with gravel and attempted to drive through floodwaters on private property, OHP stated.
The truck was reportedly swept away and became entangled in trees. Rescue crews from Broken Bow, Hochatown, and Smithville worked together to safely rescue the stranded driver.
“Thankfully, the driver was not injured,” OHP stated. “It does not take much moving water to carry away a vehicle, even a semi-truck loaded with gravel. Beyond the danger of the current itself, drivers have no way of knowing whether the roadway beneath the water has been washed away or what hazards may be hidden below the surface, including debris or downed power lines. These situations also place rescue crews in significant danger as they work to save stranded motorists.”
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
