The driver of a box truck has died after he was impaled on a tree trunk Wednesday.
Acme Delco Riegelwood Fire Rescue Chief Steve Camlin said a logging truck was turning off N.C. 87 into the Riegelwood plant when it was rear-ended by the panel truck. A three-inch log shattered the panel truck’s windshield and went through the drive’s abdomen.
Extrication crews from ADR Fire had to cut the log off to access the driver. They used hydraulic rescue tools and chain saws to tear open the cab of the truck.
A Quick Response Vehicle from Columbus County heard the call and went to the scene, Camlin said. The medic arrived while crews were removing the roof of the cab “and immediately jumped into action,” he said.
Crews removed the victim and a landing zone was set up at Riegelwood Park. Airlink 3 transported the victim to New Hanover Novant, where Camlin said he underwent three emergency surgeries. The passenger in the truck initially refused transport, but finally agreed to go to the emergency room.
The driver died early Thursday morning.
