Miraculous Rescue on Clark Memorial Bridge: Dashcam Captures Semi-Truck's Harrowing Crash

A newly released dashcam video reveals the chilling moment a semi-truck crashed through a barrier on Louisville's Clark Memorial Bridge, dangling precariously over the Ohio River. The heart-pounding footage depicts the driver's perilous predicament and the heroic efforts of first responders who risked their lives to save her.

Newly released dashcam footage has shed light on the harrowing crash that occurred on Louisville's Clark Memorial Bridge in March, involving a semi-truck that crashed through a barrier and hung precariously over the Ohio River. The video, released by the Jefferson County Kentucky Attorney's Office, provides an up-close account of the incident that unfolded on March 1st.

At approximately 12:15 p.m., Louisville first responders were dispatched to the scene of the crash, which involved a semi-truck driven by 26-year-old Sydney Thomas. Initial reports indicated that the truck had been traveling northbound on the bridge when it veered across lanes and crashed through the guardrail, leaving it dangling over the river.

However, the dashcam video reveals a previously unknown element that contributed to the crash. As the semi-truck is seen traveling across the bridge, a pickup truck suddenly swerves into its lane and collides head-on with it. The impact of the collision causes the semi-truck to swerve uncontrollably, ultimately leading to it crashing through the guardrail.

The video captures the terrifying moments as the truck's wheels screech and the driver, Sydney Thomas, is jolted around inside the cab. As the truck crashes through the guardrail, Thomas is heard screaming in fear as the vehicle dangles precariously over the edge of the bridge, more than 100 feet above the river.

Dramatic video footage shows the heroic efforts of first responders who risked their lives to rescue Thomas from the perilous situation. A fire department ladder is extended over the side of the bridge, and a first responder is lowered down to the dangling semi-truck. With great care, the first responder lifts Thomas to safety, securing her in a harness before pulling her up to the bridge.

The trailer of the semi-truck, which was carrying food products, became wedged against the bridge's beams, preventing it from falling into the water below. The hood of the truck also popped open, dangling precariously from the cab.

According to WHAS11 news, the driver of the pickup truck that collided with the semi-truck, 33-year-old Trevor Branham, was charged with four counts of wanton endangerment and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

The release of the dashcam video has provided a chilling account of the harrowing crash and the remarkable rescue efforts that followed. It serves as a testament to the bravery and professionalism of Louisville's first responders, who put their lives on the line to save those in danger.