2 Die as Truck Spills Molten Metal on Car
A semi-tractor trailer overturned and spilled its load of molten aluminum on a car Tuesday, killing two people in the auto, authorities said.
Witnesses said the car was nearly encased in the hot metal before its gasoline tank exploded.
The accident occurred during the noon hour on U.S. Highway 31 near here.
The truck driver, Daniel T. Roeder, 24, of Three Oaks, was rescued by passers-by Mike Gordon and George Sammons, Police Chief James Kesterke said.
Gordon said that, as he ran up to the truck, he could hear the driver screaming, “I’m going to burn up! Get me out of here!”
Gordon said he and Sammons played fire extinguishers on the flames while he freed Roeder, whose legs were pinned beneath the steering wheel.
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