Wow, amazingly enough I came across this aerial photo today on a Facebook page about old Saint John photos. On September 9th, 1980, my Father's tanker went over the Hammond River bridge, which is about 15 minutes outside of Saint John. It was my Sister's birthday and I was only 8 years old at the time. My Father jumped out of the truck right before it went over the bridge and he drove a reinforcement rod through his calve. Two other cars went over the bridge as well, but thankfully no one was killed. It's definitely one of those days that I'll never forget. Just kinda weird that I came across this pic today.

 

That's wild that you found that photo! Why exactly did his truck go over? Looks like a mess.

 

Wow, quick thinking on your Pop's part.

 

Holy smokes Shane that is amazing you stumbled across that and very amazing that your dad escaped that alive.

 

^ There was construction work going on at the time with temporary lights setup. A lady, for whatever reason, stopped on a green light. My Father, whom had a full load of diesel on, couldn't get stopped in time and slammed into the back of her. He ended up pushing two cars over the bridge before his truck went over as well. People don't seem to realize that these trucks, especially when loaded, can't stop on a dime like a car can.

 

interesting post Shane. That must have been traumatic and painful for your dad.

 

im sure she never stopped on green again =X

 

Yikes, Shane, I remember vividly your Dad's story of his accident back in 1980 when we saw you Mom and Dad this summer.
That was one close call for sure. I think the 'Big Guy' upstairs was with him and all of you that day.....

Colin

 

that's amazing that your dad did that, that's instinct or something right there.

btw, was it the old lady's fault? imagine the ins surcharge

 

That's right, I forgot about Dad telling you about it when you and Marg were down.

 

That's correct, she was at fault.

I forgot to mention that the accident was published in Reader's Digest that same year. I am pretty sure he still has the copy of it at home.

 

Wow that looks insane, what a shot of the entire scene.

 

Wow Shane that is a crazy picture.

 

That's a great photo and it's amazing that no one was killed.
Truck drivers themselves seem to forget that they can't stop on a dime. On the 401 we see truckers tailgating cars everyday and to be honest it makes me a bit nervous everytime I approach a situation like that. One false move by the car or trucker and all hell breaks loose.
Obviously your dad's situation was due to the driver stopping for a green light though. You can't anticipate that happening. It's probably a wonder he only took two cars with him.

 

could not have said it better myself

did you say something was driven into your dads calf? is he still walking what other injuries did he sustain?