NEW JERSEY — Heart-stopping video released by the New Jersey State Police shows the moment troopers pulled a man from a burning semi just seconds before it exploded.
According to the department, it happened around 3:35 p.m. Monday on Interstate 287 in Bridgewater Township.
Trooper Robert Tarleton was speaking with a driver during a traffic stop when the nearby semi ran off the road and crashed, according to officials. The trooper quickly hands the driver their information before jumping into action.
Trooper Tarleton drives to the scene and calls for medical backup. As he sprints toward the truck, the video shows State Police Lieutenant Edward Ryer already trying to get the driver out.
The state police said the lieutenant was on his way home from work when he also saw the crash. Together the men pull the driver out and drag him to safety.
NATIONAL NEWS | The latest headlines from across the country
The driver suffered only minor injuries in the crash, according to police. They say the investigation into the cause is still ongoing.
