Miracle of escape

Published: September 26, 2003 | 173rd good news item since 2003

What started out as just another work day for Billy W. Johnson, of Live Oak who is employed with Mayo Ready-Mix Concrete took a turn in the direction of a miracle from anyone’s point-of-view that was at the scene of the early morning crash of the loaded cement truck driven by Johnson.

According to Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Jon Farnell’s report Johnson was traveling at 45 mph southbound on State Road 51 about 7:55 am on Friday, September 19.

The report states the driver (Johnson) said he was adjusting the mixer speed of the cement truck and the truck veered onto the west shoulder of the roadway. Due to the steep incline of the shoulder, the truck overturned, finally coming to a rest at the bottom of the incline, spilling the cement upon impact.

Lafayette EMS, Sheriff Carson McCall, Captain Jim Wilson, and Lafayette Emergency Director Donnie Land responded to the scene.

Johnson was treated for minor injuries apparently received as he crawled through broken glass and debris that was the remains of the truck. “I crawled out through the space at the top,” said Johnson as he stood at the edge of the road looking at the wrecked truck that only minutes before had been rolling down the shoulder with him inside.

According to the FHP report Johnson was cited for careless driving for failing to maintain control of the vehicle.

The estimated damage to the truck is $50,000.

Published in Miracles
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