As a few of you know, I drive a truck for a living. This Wednesday, I was on my way to deliver a load in Asbury Iowa the next morning. I was almost done with my day when I saw a 4X4 Chevy truck pass around me. I noticed as they passed by that one of the passengers was wearing an Amish hat. That was the last I thought about them till around ten minutes later when I saw their truck upside down on the far side of the ditch. I saw a young Amish man was trying to wave me down, and three children trying to remain calm in a frantic situation as I shut the truck down. I was on the phone already calling 911 before I pulled off onto the the shoulder. I have GPS on a laptop and used that to give them the exact location. Including Longitude and Latitude. I stepped down from the cab and headed down to see how I could help. The driver and passenger were thrown twenty to thirty yards from the vehicle. They were both alive, but fading fast. Out of respect, I don't want to get into what I saw, but I tried to help in a helpless situation. The last two nights have been difficult. Their faces haunt me when I try to find sleep. And the little girl, around ten coming to me for comfort, telling me her mother was dead never leaves my heart.

For all of you thinking seatbelts are a waste of time, I can say now. Please wear them.




Victims in Fatal Crash Near Monticello Identified | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Local News

 

On this I agree with you. They have saved my life twice.

Sleep well.

 

sorry to hear that. just keep in mind that you tried and was there when they needed someone. my dad went through the samething many years ago. the young girl passed away in his arms and for a while he couldn't sleep. eventually he was able to work through it. it will take time but as i said you were there when they needed someone. God bless

 

been doing this for 38 yrs, it never gets any easier....does change how you feel about life...and makes you thankful everyday...I always will remember the fatals I have worked...especially children...wear your seats belts....you did the right thing Rush...getting help asap...comforting the survivors...good for you...

 

Nice work Rush.
One can only do what is within the grasp of being human.
Many would have simply driven by.

Yes it haunts you, what you saw. But obviously, having driven by would haunt you more.

Proves you have a conscience, and morals, and humanity.

Nice.


franc

 

Rush, You can only do what you can do. You did your best, hats off to you. I've been doing this for 26 years and it doesn't get any easier. Most of it will fade with time. Take Care.

 

My dad was a volunteer fireman in small town Iowa. He once had to carry 2 amish kids out of their smoke filled, burning house. Neither was breathing. He was first on the scene and had to choose which one to work on. Neither made it. He carried that with him for a long time.

The house did not have smoke detectors. If any good came from this it was that the entire local amish community installed smoke detectors.

Rush you did good. Sleep well. The amish community will see that those kids are taken care of.

 

You were their when they needed you.
You did all you could.
It's a sad outcome for sure.
I hope time helps fade the images but you will never completely forget

May you rest better each day.
You did the right thing when you stopped to help.
One always wonders why it is them at that certain place at that certain time and for what reason.

Thank you for sharing this with us here...I hope the kind responses ease the pain a bit.

Gary

 

God bless you for your efforts, care and concern. You were there for a reason, and I'm sure those involved appreaciated your actions, The mere fact that you have shown such concern and stopped leads me to believe you were their "Good Samaritan". I pray that you find confort soon, Its incidents like this that remind us how precious life is. No matter how many times you witness life slip away no matter the cause, there is always some sadness.