Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | January 16, 2026 | Truck Accidents
When a tractor-trailer cab was left dangling precariously off U.S. Route 35 in Mason County, West Virginia, the situation could have ended in tragedy. Instead, it became a powerful reminder of how training, teamwork, and calm decision-making save lives when the margin for error is razor thin.
The dramatic rescue drew the response of six fire departments and a specialized technical rescue team. While images of the truck suspended over the roadway quickly captured public attention, firefighters involved emphasized the following day that, for them, this was simply part of the job.
A Call That Required Immediate Precision
Hurricane Fire Chief Paul Niedbalski acknowledged that the initial call caught responders off guard. A tractor-trailer hanging off a bridge is not an everyday incident, even for seasoned firefighters. However, once crews arrived and assessed the situation, the response shifted quickly from surprise to strategy.
A tactical rescue plan was put into place, relying on technical rope rescue procedures designed for exactly these kinds of scenarios. According to Niedbalski, the operation depended heavily on the expertise of the technical rescue team members who arrived on scene.
“These folks showed up, they worked seamlessly, and hats off to those guys,” Niedbalski said. “They’re the ones who are the backbone of this operation. Without them, this would have never happened.”
A Volunteer Steps Forward
Among the responders was Hurricane Firefighter Wes Quinn, who volunteered to be lowered down to the dangling cab. Wearing a harness secured with both a main line and a safety line, Quinn was carefully lowered toward the truck while also carrying a safety line for the driver.
Quinn’s role was critical. He was responsible not only for reaching the cab safely but also for securing the truck driver and helping guide both of them back to solid ground.
Once Quinn reached the cab, he found the driver had moved to the passenger side of the truck. While the driver was understandably shaken, he remained cooperative throughout the rescue.
In a situation where stress and fear could easily escalate, Quinn’s calm presence and hands-on assistance made all the difference.
Training in Action
After the driver was properly secured in the harness, the rescue team slowly and methodically began raising both men back toward the bridge. Every step of the process followed established safety protocols, ensuring that neither the firefighter nor the driver was placed at unnecessary risk.
Remarkably, despite the severity of the incident, the driver was not injured. Chief Niedbalski later emphasized that the successful outcome was no accident—it was the result of extensive preparation and trust in the training firefighters receive.
“This is why they train,” he said. “I knew the quality of people we had on the scene, their background. Overall, it was somewhat routine but very technical. We took our time, we had our safeties in place, and we did it by the book.”
What This Incident Means for Commercial Truck Safety and Public Roads
From a legal perspective, incidents like this highlight the serious risks that commercial truck accidents pose to both drivers and the public. A tractor-trailer leaving the roadway or becoming suspended on a bridge raises important questions about roadway conditions, vehicle maintenance, driver training, and load stability.
While this situation ended without injury thanks to the rapid response of first responders, many similar accidents do not. When large commercial vehicles are involved, even a single miscalculation can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Incidents like this highlight the need for trucking companies and their drivers to operate commercial vehicles safely. Federal regulations also require that drivers of commercial vehicles be able to read and speak English. This is an important requirement that has been highlighted recently in the news. In this instance, the driver’s inability to speak English further complicated his rescue. When operating commercial vehicles, it is important that all rules and regulations be followed. Otherwise, catastrophic consequences can and often do result.
Contact Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers if You or Someone You Love Has Been Injured in a Truck Accident
The successful rescue on U.S. Route 35 stands as a testament to the professionalism, training, and coordination of West Virginia’s firefighters and emergency responders. While this outcome was positive, the incident is a powerful reminder of how dangerous commercial truck accidents can be and how quickly lives can be put at risk.
At Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating consequences truck accidents can have when things do not end safely. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, our team is here to help—contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
For more information, please contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
