Airdrie-based trucker honoured after dangerous roadside rescue

A truck driver based in Airdrie, Alta., has been named a "Highway Angel" by the Truckload Carriers Association after he pulled over to help a trapped man whose tractor-trailer had rolled over on the highway. 

Early on Nov. 27, transport driver Kingsley Ogieva, who lives in Saskatoon but drives for a company based in Airdrie, was driving along Highway 2 near Bowden when he found the southbound lane partially blocked. 

As he drove past the trailer, Ogieva realized the driver was stuck. He says he didn't hesitate. He sprang into action, pulled over and ran to help the driver. 

As Ogieva approached the toppled vehicle, he saw the driver stuck in the damaged cab, attempting to free himself by kicking out the windshield.

With help from another trucker who also stopped, Ogieva began trying to help the trapped driver in removing the windshield.

That's when things went from bad to worse.

"We just heard a big bang, and before I knew what was happening, I was on the floor," Ogieva told CBC News. 

A cattle hauler had slammed into the truck, pinning Ogieva's legs in the wreckage. 

As he lay in pain, the other driver who stopped went into shock. He left the scene and Ogieva alone. 

"I went to help, now I'm the one looking for help," Ogieva said.

Ogieva continued to scream for help until another motorist arrived on scene, telling him emergency services had been called. 

While Ogieva waited, other motorists pulled over, trying to assist in any way they could. Many searched for metal bars or other materials in hopes of prying Ogieva out of the wreckage.

While Ogieva remained trapped, he noticed diesel fuel spilling onto the road. That's when his attention shifted.

"I controlled the area by creating awareness and telling people [who] smoke not to come close to the scene," he said. 

Ogieva recalls a woman grasping his hand and offering to pray for him. He said it really helped him control his feelings. 

"While we were praying, I could calm down. I was very cold and afraid I would lose my legs," Ogieva said.

Ogieva and his growing group of support waited approximately 40 minutes until help arrived and lifted the wreckage so he and the driver could be removed. 

Ogieva was taken to the Red Deer Regional Hospital, where he underwent surgery for soft tissue damage. He has since made a full recovery.

When asked about being honoured with the award, Ogieva said it was "cool."

"I believe it will encourage other motorists and road users to assist when there is an accident. Helping people in distress is of the utmost importance because that is what humanity is all about." 

The Highway Angels program, created by the Truckload Carriers Association in 1997, has recognized nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers for "exemplary kindness, courtesy and courage displayed while on the job."