04.04.2007

Harness gives a chance

An articulated truck traveling south on Interstate 25 near Albuquerque, New Mexico this morning smashed into a group of vehicles repairing lights at the side of the highway.

The tractor trailer first hit a safety vehicle which carries a big flashing arrow warning drivers to keep over, and then ploughed into an escort vehicle and the truck mounted aerial lift that was doing the work.
Please register to see all images

A picture from the scene today

The aerial lift, which was working at a height of around eight to nine metres remained upright and the operator survived thanks to his safety harness. However the impact was such that he is in critical condition tonight.

It is not known at this stage what type of lanyard or harness was being used. But clearly it may have saved his life.

A man in the escort vehicle is also in hospital in critical condition this evening.