Enhances National Leadership Position in Roadside Assistance and Mobility Services

BDT Capital Partners to Maintain Majority Stake in Combined Platform

BOCA RATON, Fla. and ST. JOHNS, Mich., May 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nation Safe Drivers ("NSD") and Questx today announced that they have completed a strategic business combination to form one of the nation's largest and most innovative leaders in roadside assistance and mobility services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1962, NSD is ranked the #1 motor club by North American service providers, with a platform that services 1.5 million events a year on behalf of leading automotive OEMs, rental car fleets, tire distributors, insurance companies, and other affinity organizations. Founded in 1988, Questx, is a leading provider of best-in-class roadside assistance, first notice of loss, and glass administration solutions to insurance carriers and vehicle service contract providers.

The combined company will draw on NSD and Questx's 90 years of collective experience and complementary strengths to deliver bespoke roadside assistance and mobility solutions to its customers. It will benefit from increased scale, broader scope of mobility services, a greater geographic footprint, and new capabilities, including Questx's innovative next generation technology platform, which will provide industry-leading transparency, reporting, and access to data.  Taken together, this will position the combined company to offer customers an expanded portfolio of products and services, best-in-class service-level agreements, and leading on-time arrivals, backed by a national network of leading service providers.

"We are thrilled to partner with Questx to help set a new standard for roadside solutions," said Jac Alvarez, Chief Revenue Officer, NSD. "Under its experienced leadership team, Questx has had immense success building a strong network of service providers, deep customer relationships, and a world-class tech stack. Importantly, our companies share a strong customer-first culture, which we will harness to quickly bring together our two talented teams and deliver a superior customer experience for drivers, fleets, insurance partners, and the broader automotive ecosystem."

Pat Gilbert, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Questx, said, "We are excited to partner with NSD and BDT Capital Partners who bring tremendous experience, expertise, and resources to enable us to execute on our goal for being the best-in-class mobility services partner for all of our clients and most importantly for the end customer."

Funds managed by BDT Capital Partners, LLC ("BDTCP"), an affiliate of BDT & MSD Partners, acquired a majority interest in NSD in 2019 and will remain a significant majority owner in the combined platform, providing long-term partnership and financial stability to the company as it executes against its strategy.

"We are excited to help bring together NSD and Questx to build on their respective strengths and leadership in the roadside assistance category," said Rob Verigan, Partner at BDT & MSD Partners. "We believe the combined company is well positioned to execute on its significant opportunities ahead, and we look forward to supporting it in this next phase of growth."

Lincoln International LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to Questx.

ABOUT NATION SAFE DRIVERS
For over 60 years, NSD has been a market-leading provider of roadside assistance and finance and insurance ("F&I") products to dealerships, automotive OEMs, rental car companies, tire distributors, and insurance companies across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The company has leveraged in-house technology, call centers, and a proprietary vendor network of over 50,000 service providers to deliver a best-in-class customer experience.

ABOUT QUESTX
Questx is a premier provider of high-touch, high-tech roadside assistance, insurance claims and glass management solutions for over 30 years. The company is mission-built to deliver best-in-class outsourced solutions to insurance carriers and their policyholders. With connectivity to over 40,000 service providers, Questx continues to serve its customers as a trusted partner across its suite of custom and specialized services.

ABOUT BDT CAPITAL PARTNERS
BDT Capital Partners provides family- and founder-led businesses with long-term, differentiated capital through its investment funds. It is an affiliate of BDT & MSD Partners, a merchant bank with an advisory and investment platform built to serve the distinct needs of business owners and strategic, long-term investors. Since 2010, BDT & MSD Partners' affiliated funds have deployed more than $50 billion across their investment strategies. For more information, visit www.bdtmsd.com.

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DC Woman Killed Driving Into Tow Truck, MSP Cruiser At Scene Of Previous Crash ID'd

A crash scene investigation in Prince George’s County unexpectedly turned fatal when a driver from Washington, DC

sped into a tow truck that set off a chain-reaction crash involving a Maryland State Police cruiser.

Bridgette Harris, 30, has been identified as the driver who was killed this week on MD Route 5 (Branch Avenue)

in Clinton after crashing at the scene of a previous crash, according to state police on Friday, April 21.

Harris was driving a 2003 Honda Accord at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19 near the Capital Beltway

approaching a crash scene that was being investigated by a state police trooper as a tow truck driver removed one of

the vehicles involved.

For unknown reasons, police say that Harris’ Honda smashed into the back of the tow truck at the scene of the original crash,

which was then pushed into the state police cruiser, both of which were unoccupied.

Both the patrol vehicle and tow truck had their emergency lights activated at the time of the crash, officials noted.

Harris was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics. No other injuries were reported.

The crash remains under investigation.

TikTok Hack-Led Car Thefts Now Make Kia And Hyundai Models Uninsurable

Insurance companies are refusing to cover the vehicles stolen by Kia Boyz.

But the latest Hyundai anti-theft software update seems to be working.   

It can be argued that social media can be blamed for a lot of issues in the world today. Now, you can add not being able to insure your car to that list. If you own a 2012-2021 Kia or a 2015-2021 Hyundai, that is. Late last year, a group of teens calling themselves the "Kia Boyz" identified a security loophole in these Kia and Hyundai models that weren't equipped with an engine immobilizer.

This allowed these cars to be started without a key. It led to a spate of thefts across the US, accompanied by social media clips of the Kia Boyz joyriding in the stolen cars. It's now known as the Kia Challenge.

This viral car-theft challenge started in the streets of Milwaukee, and last year, 10,471 vehicles were stolen in the country, among which 67 percent were either a Hyundai or a Kia. So, why are these cars so easy to steal, and are Kia and Hyundai doing anything about it?

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Impaired charge after collision at scene of fatal crash on 401

Ontario Provincial Police say a 30-year-old Kitchener man died Thursday evening after the black, four-door sedan he was driving crashed into the back of a disabled delivery truck next to the westbound lanes of Highway 401 near Townline Road in Cambridge.

Police say the truck was parked on the right shoulder of the highway with its four-way flashing lights on when the accident happened around 7:45 p.m.

Cambridge OPP diverted traffic off the highway at Highway 6 north to complete their investigation.

Around 1 a.m. during this investigation, OPP spokesperson Kerry Schmidt said in a Twitter video a vehicle broke through the road closure at Highway 6 North. 

The driver ended up slamming into the side of a tow truck dealing with one of the broken down vehicles at the scene. The driver tried to leave but was arrested. 

A 35-year-old from Kitchener was charged with impaired driving, dangerous driving, excess blood alcohol and having cannabis readily available inside a vehicle.

This driver was given an automatic 90-day license suspension, seven-day vehicle impound and a court date in June.

All lanes were reopened just before 4 a.m. this morning.

Police are asking any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage of the accident to contact Cambridge OPP at 519-654-0150

https://www.guelphtoday.com/police/impaired-charge-after-collision-at-scene-of-fatal-crash-on-401-6887906

The Alberta government is allowing tow trucks and other roadside operators to continue using blue lights for the next five years.

The province launched a pilot project last June, allowing the optional use of flashing blue lights on snowplows, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles contracted to the province to increase visibility and safety while working on Alberta highways.

For years, members of the industry, including the Towing and Recovery Association of Alberta and the Alberta Motor Association (AMA), had been asking for permission to use blue lights. They even got the support of the Alberta Chiefs of Police.

“Adding blue lights on tow trucks has been a simple change with a profound benefit,” said AMA president and CEO Michelle Chimko.

The province said a recent AMA study indicated of those who have seen blue flashing lights in use on a tow truck, there was 86.9 per cent agreement that they are more visible than amber alone.

On Monday, the Alberta government said it will continue to allow the flashing blue and amber lights to be used for an additional five years.

“We are extending these projects to make sure these important safety measures remain in place so those who work on our highways can go home safely to their families at the end of their shifts,” said a statement from Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen.

The changes are in addition to other new rules under the Traffic Safety Amendment Act coming into effect Sept. 1 to help protect roadside workers, to include snowplows and highway maintenance vehicles, in addition to tow trucks and emergency vehicles like police cruisers.

Under the changes, when passing a roadside vehicle with flashing lights on, drivers will be required to slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit (whichever is lower) in all lanes going in the same direction on divided highways and when traveling in either direction on single lane roadways.

(Right now, only traffic in the adjacent lane has to slow to 60 km/h when passing stopped emergency vehicles with their lights flashing.)

Fines will also double under the changes. Currently, the penalty for passing an emergency vehicle on the side of the road can range from $136 to $826, depending on the speed.

The province said since December 2019, there have been 17 serious roadside incidents and at least 39 near-misses involving Alberta tow trucks and passing vehicles.

Between March 2018 and March 2021, there were 128 collisions involving snowplows contracted by Alberta Transportation.

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ISP: One person dead in accident on I-80 near Bettendorf (IA)

BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC) - One person is dead Monday morning after a three-vehicle accident on I-80 near Bettendorf, according to Iowa State Patrol.

Troopers say a bus was broken down on the shoulder of the road westbound near mile marker 302 at 2:07 a.m. when it was being assisted by a tow truck. Then a 2015 Jeep Patriot hit a tow operator who was not in a vehicle.

The accident is still under investigation and charges are pending, according to an ISP crash report.

This is a developing story. TV6 will update the story online and on-air when we learn more.

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from Todd Leiss:

United States Emergency Responder Struck-By Death #12 of 2023 is Iowa Tow Truck operator Mark Muske of Tegeler Wrecker & Crane - Cedar Rapids. Mr. Muske was a United States Army Veteran having served in Operation Desert Storm and was the father of two sons.

Mr. Muske is the 12th United States Emergency Responder struck in the past 45 days or an emergency responder struck and killed every 3.75 days.

National Struck-By Heroes

Iowa Traffic Incident Management

PennTIME - Pennsylvania Statewide Traffic Incident Management Group

Emergency Responder Safety Institute

From Jake Schroeder:

It is with extremely heavy hearts that we inform the communities we serve that we lost one of our wrecker operators. A member of the Tegeler Wrecker and Crane Family that we so dearly loved in an accident while he was performing a tow.

Mark Muske was an amazing person, an outstanding team member and a military veteran. Mark was a father to two sons who he dearly loved and cherished, he was a son and a friend to so many who he crossed paths with. Mark was a member of the United States Army and a Desert Storm Veteran. He came to work telling stories of his boys and always accepted any job given to him with “okie dokie”. He will be forever deeply missed by our Tegeler Family, but never forgotten. Our hearts are hurting and mourn for Mark’s family and friends. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Oklahoma man killed in Pottawatomie County crash

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) – One person is in custody following a deadly hit-and-run in Pottawatomie County.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, emergency crews were called to a crash along westbound I-40, near Shawnee.

When investigators arrived at the scene, they realized a man working on a tow truck had been hit by a semi-truck.

Officials say Kyle McCullough was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Although the driver of the semi-truck initially tried to leave the scene, he didn’t get far before being stopped by law enforcement.

At this point, the cause of the crash is under investigation.

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RESOURCE LINK NEWS VIDEO: https://kfor.com/video/one-killed-in-hit-and-run-crash/8513212/

Todd Leiss reported:

United States Emergency Responder Struck-By Death #4 of 2023 is Oklahoma Tow Truck Operator Kyle Morgan McCullough, 27 of Shawnee, Oklahoma an Operator for Sooner Wrecker Service who was struck & killed at 10pm on 03/28/2023 by a suspected intoxicated commercial vehicle driver.

 

 

Oklahoma Wrecker Owners Association Reported:

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of our first Oklahoma wrecker operator death for 2023. On the evening of March 28th, 2023 at approximately 9:30pm wrecker operator Kyle Morgan McCullough , 27 of Shawnee, Oklahoma was struck and killed along Interstate 40 near the 190 Mile Marker by a commercial motor vehicle. Kyle was a operator for Sooner Wrecker Service in McLoud, OK and had been with the company for about 2 years. According to the information received from OHP, the operator was on a owner requested tow and had loaded the disabled vehicle on his rollback. He was on the drivers side of his truck either securing something or walking back to the cab when he was struck by a passing semi tractor-trailer. Witnesses say the CMV driver did stop about a quarter mile down the road but then got back in their vehicle and drove away. He was stopped by a Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Deputy a short distance later and was arrested for "Leaving the scene of an accident". Other charges may be pending but because of the ongoing investigation by OHP no further details were given.

 

Kyle leaves behind two daughters both under the age of 6, his mother, and a girlfriend who was at the scene and witnessed the incident

Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

 

Stay safe and alert.

Bryan Albrecht - President

Oklahoma Wrecker Owners

 

 

Charges filed against driver who hit and killed tow truck operator

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Shots fired at tow truck driver trying to re-possess owner's vehicle in West Philadelphia: police

PHILADELPHIA - A tow truck driver was just trying to do their job when police say a vehicle owner opened fire from a West Philadelphia apartment.

The shooting erupted near 49th and Chestnut streets around 4am Tuesday.

Police say the tow truck driver was in the process of re-possessing a vehicle when its owner fired several shots from a second-floor apartment.

The tow truck was found with multiple bullet holes, but it is unknown if the driver sustained any injuries.

No arrests have been made, and no suspect description released at this time.

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As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, AAA is hiring more females as tow truck drivers and car care techs than ever before. 

The next time you call AAA for Emergency Roadside Service, there’s a good chance that a woman will come to your rescue.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up only 1.4% of the automotive repair industry in 1999. However, in 2022, the number of women in automotive repair rose to 12%. 

There are an estimated 31,514 tow truck operators currently employed in the United States. However, only 3.4% of all tow truck operators are women.

Last year, AAA Mid-Atlantic, which is part of the AAA Club Alliance, saw an increase of more than 20% in the number of women hired for car care and automotive repair, compared to 2021. The auto club also saw a jump of more than 35% in the number of women hired for our Fleet Operations, including tow truck drivers.

7News spoke with AAA Battery Technician and Light Service Provider, Shana Jordan who has been with AAA since 2014. 

Jordan started her career on the automotive repair side at the AAA Car Care Center in Glen Burnie. She also attended Lincoln Technical Institute, where she studied automotive technology. 

 “When I arrive on the scene to help a Member, my mechanical background and training helps me easily troubleshoot problems a lot quicker,” said Jordan.

She loves her job and strives to provide top-notch service at all times. 

Many people still aren’t used to seeing a woman in a male-dominated field, but Shana aims to change that perception and looks forward to the opportunities to continue to grow at AAA. 

 Shana’s Fleet Operations Manager, Martha Hicks, said, “Shana exemplifies true professionalism and dedication to our Members.”

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39-year-old tow truck driver hit by pickup truck, in serious condition

The man was clearing debris from the roadway when the pickup hit him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla.

A New Smyrna tow truck driver is in serious condition after being hit by a pickup truck on Sesame Boulevard in Palm Coast on March 27.

The 39-year-old was going north on Sesame Boulevard just after noon when he stepped out of his truck to clear debris from the road,

according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

A 21-year-old female, driving a gray Toyota Tacoma, was going west on Seminole Woods Boulevard and made a left turn onto Sesame

Boulevard. Her Toyota’s front bumper struck the 39-year-old.

The tow truck driver was transported to Halifax Hospital with serious injuries, the FHP report said. The Toyota driver was uninjured.

No further information is available at this time.

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At least one person was killed in Jamestown on Thursday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol's online incident information page.

Officers responded to a stretch of Highway 108/120 near Rushing Hill Lookout Road, about 10 miles east of Knights Ferry, around 9:15 a.m. Thursday.

The incident summary says a tow truck, hauling another vehicle and traveling west, hit another vehicle head-on. How that happened isn't clear from the incident page, and the eastbound and westbound lanes of the highway are divided in that stretch.

As of 11:40 a.m., officers were still at the scene, diverting oncoming traffic onto a dirt road, said California Highway Patrol Officer Susan Addleman. Keystone Roadway was entirely blocked off, according to the report. The highway reopened a little before 1 p.m.

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Tuolumne County, CA – The CHP has released new details regarding a two-vehicle crash on Highway 108/120 west of Jamestown that resulted in a Sonora man being flown from the scene and another person being pronounced dead at the scene.

The name of the deceased is not being released pending family notification. The collision happened just after 9 a.m. on Thursday, east of the La Grange Road intersection in the Keystone area. It stalled traffic for hours, first closing that section of roadway for about an hour, and then officers directed one-way traffic for more than an hour as the wreckage was cleared.

The CHP reports that the deceased was driving a 2003 Honda eastbound on the highway east of La Grange Road. At the same time, 47-year-old Joshua Selesia of Sonora was traveling westbound in a 2013 Ford F-650 tow truck, carrying a 2001 Ford Excursion SUV. The driver of the car went onto the south shoulder and then overcorrected, traveling into the truck’s path, according to the CHP. The left front of the truck hit the right side of the Honda. The force of the impact dislodged the SUV from the flatbed.

Once the vehicles came to rest, the CHP disclosed that the car burst into flames, fully engulfing the Honda and spreading to the truck and SUV. Black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky. This crash remains under investigation, but drugs and alcohol are not suspected.

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BALTIMORE -- A tow truck driver was shot Thursday morning while working in Northwest Baltimore, police said. 

Investigators believe the 36-year-old man was towing a vehicle in the 2900 block of Garrison Boulevard when he was shot. 

He went to a fire station on the 3900 block of Liberty Heights Avenue for help, which is where police responded. 

Joseph Everett said the commotion startled him from his sleep. He looked outside and saw the driver trying to tow a car from the parking lot at his apartment complex on Garrison Boulevard and watched as he slammed into a bus bench while rushing away. 

"He was driving really fast and just turned up the street and drove straight up Garrison," Everett said. "There's clearly a parking lot entrance and exit so I was kind of confused on why he would go through the grass."

Signs warn those who park in the lots there without proper authorization or a sticker that they will be towed.

The towing company declined to comment to WJZ.

Theodore Miller said he sees a tow truck driver monitoring the lots every day. 

"He was doing his job—that's all he was doing—a regular tow truck driver who comes every day. Same guy every day," Miller said.

The fire station is about half a mile from the shooting scene and was itself the scene of a shooting in August 2015 when a firefighter was struck by random gunfire while on duty and standing outside. 

Video from the scene on Thursday showed the tow truck with a red Camaro convertible still attached stopped in front of the fire station and surrounded by crime tape. 

Miller said violence is never the answer to resolve disputes.

"Everybody's got a job to do, so that was his job. That's his life," he said. "It's sad, but people have to abide by the rules. Should have let them take the vehicle, paid the fee and got his vehicle back." 

Police canvassed the apartment's parking lot Thursday afternoon. They told WJZ they are still working to determine the motive. 

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COLLINSVILLE, Okla. -

Tulsa County deputies arrested a Collinsville man accused of dumping coffee grounds into the gas tank of another man's tow truck.

The affidavit says George Myers did this two different times, causing damage to the victim's truck.

The damage resulted in a loss of business for the victim.

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One person is dead after an industrial accident in Stouffville, Ont., police say.

York Regional Police said officers were called to a business on Highway 48 north of Cherry Street around 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday for an industrial accident involving a tow truck and a pedestrian.

Police said the tow truck and pedestrian collided.

Officers said both the driver and the pedestrian were employed by the business.

According to police, the pedestrian, a male, was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Officers said the force’s major collision unit, the province’s ministry of labour and the coroner’s office are investigating.

Note the article does not state the business or what type of tow truck is being referred to as being involved.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A bill that addressed the state's current "Slow Down, Move Over" law passed through the House unanimously on Wednesday.

House Bill (HB) 2684, authored by Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, would mandate drivers approaching a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle to reduce their speed to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit. The bill would also increase fines for non-compliance.

HB 2684, the "John Mills Bill," is named after John Mills, a tow truck operator from District 13 who was killed this past Nov. 2022 along Hwy 69.

"While this bill's need saddens me, I am honored to run it to recognize John Mills' legacy," Hays said. "I encourage all Oklahomans to pay attention to the highways so our first responders, second responders and emergency workers can stay safe while doing their job."

If a person violates this provision, they will be found guilty of the endangerment of an emergency worker. The fine for not complying would be $5,000 if the offense resulted in injury to an emergency responder and $10,000 if the crime resulted in an emergency responder's death.

HB 2684 passed the House with a vote of 86-0. It now moves on to the Senate for further consideration.

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Original Notification Topic: Tower Down - 11.26.22 (OK) "Updated 02.18.23"

A tow truck carrying a box truck crashes into state police vehicles in New Jersey

WARREN COUNTY, N.J. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - New Jersey State Police released dashcam and bodycam video of an incident in February where a heavy-duty tow truck crashed into multiple police vehicles as they were attending to an accident scene.

Two Springfield men are facing several charges in connection with a Monday night Northampton traffic stop-turned-drug-bust that led police to uncover over 90 grams of suspected cocaine, over 250 bags of suspected heroin, a gun and body armor.

On Monday at 7:40 p.m., Northampton police stopped a car on King Street after noticing the vehicle’s registration was revoked for insurance cancellation, according to a Northampton Police Department spokesperson.

While investigating the vehicle, Northampton police uncovered a significant amount of suspected heroin and cocaine. An additional thorough search of the car led police to discover a loaded firearm containing 13 rounds of ammunition, over 90 grams of suspected cocaine, over 250 bags of suspected heroin, over $2,700.00 in cash, 2 scales, 8 cell phones, a rifle sight and ballistic body armor, according to the department spokesperson.

Police went on to arrest the vehicle’s two occupants: a 53-year-old Springfield man and a 23-year-old Springfield man, who operated the car.

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FHP: 61-year-old man dead after pickup truck hit by Road Ranger goes over side of Buckman Bridge

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 61-year-old Jacksonville man is dead after his pickup truck was hit by a Road Ranger early Tuesday morning and then went off the Buckman Bridge, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

The Road Ranger, a 23-year-old Jacksonville man, was not hurt, FHP said.

The cause of the collision, which happened shortly before 3:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of Interstate 295, is still under investigation, FHP said.

FHP spokesperson Master Sgt. Dylan Bryan told News4JAX that they now believe the pickup truck was moving when it was rear-ended by the Road Ranger’s tow truck. There was damage to the left rear of the pickup truck and damage to the right front of the Road Ranger’s truck. Bryan said the pickup truck impacted the guardrail and then flipped up, striking a light pole before it tumbled over the rail and into the river.

The Florida Department of Transportation released a statement of condolence for the man who died and said it is working with investigators on what caused this crash in the first place. The statement goes on to say, “As with all crashes on the roadway, FDOT will refrain from speaking on the crash itself as it is pending investigation. As a matter of process, FDOT evaluates all crashes that occur on state facilities after the investigation and will take appropriate action at that time.”

FHP said it interviewed the Road Ranger. It is unknown how long he has been a Road Ranger.

The Sky 4 helicopter flew over the scene as crews worked to remove the pickup truck. Around 8:30 a.m., it was hoisted out of the St. Johns River and back onto the bridge. As that all happened, both northbound and southbound traffic on the Buckman Bridge was backed up for miles, and the process took hours to eventually clear. As of midday, traffic appeared to be moving a lot smoother across the bridge.

Roy Skets drives across the Buckman Bride a few times a day for work. News4JAX caught up with him before he went back across the bridge hours after Tuesday’s deadly crash.

We caught up with him before he went back across the bridge – hours after a deadly crash, that sent a truck over the wall, and into the river.

Skets said that when driving on the Buckman, he has to be defensive.

“It feels like a freeway, it’s like Daytona or something. They’re just going too fast, going left and right, no signals, illegal lane changing so on and so forth,” Skets said. “So it’s very dangerous.”

Judy Rothwell, who drives on the Buckman, also described it as a racetrack. says it’s like a racetrack up there.

“I see the people crossing the bridge all the time. They think they are on a video race or something the way they weave in and out of traffic, and nobody does anything about it,” Rothwell said.

It is not known whether speed was a factor in Tuesday’s crash. A news release from FHP does not mention the speed of either truck.

Skets said he is thinking about the man who died and the man’s family.

“The family is the one that suffers, us that are left behind and the aftermath of it all,” Skets said.

He said he will take his time and be as careful as he can while driving on the Buckman.

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A Seattle police officer was assaulted while recovering a stolen vehicle early Sunday morning, according to the department.

The officer found the stolen vehicle in the 2300 block of Franklin Avenue East around 1:30 a.m., police said.

While recovering the vehicle, a man appeared from a nearby apartment and tried to intervene in the tow truck driving away with the stolen vehicle. Seattle police said the man was identified as a 42-year-old suspect with multiple outstanding felony warrants. A short foot pursuit ensued, and the officer took the suspect into custody.

As the officer waited for backup to arrive, the suspect started yelling and shouting for someone inside the apartment, police said. A 49-year-old woman walked out of the apartment and attempted to insert herself between the officer and the detained suspect.

A second man, aged 32, came out of the apartment and began to assault the officer to prevent him from detaining the first suspect, police said. The two men fled from the officer and barricaded inside the apartment. At this point, the woman dropped her efforts to interfere with the detainment of the male suspects.

Hostage negotiators arrived on scene and tried to persuade the suspects to exit the apartment. Police later obtained a search warrant to enter the apartment and arrested the suspects.

Seattle police said the officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspects were not injured in the incident.

The 42-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of assault, obstruction, resisting arrest, false reporting, and his outstanding warrants. The 32-year-old male suspect was arrested for assault and obstruction. They were both booked in King County Jail.

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02.25.23

Police say a 30-year-old woman died after crashing into a parked tow truck in Soundview early Saturday morning.

The collision happened on the Bronx River Parkway and Westchester Avenue around 4:30 a.m.

Police say the woman was found unresponsive with traumatic wounds throughout her head and body.

No other information was available as of Saturday evening.

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02.25.23 - A 61-year-old man has died after he was pinned underneath a tow truck in Moanalua

Fire dept.: Tow truck crashes into active scene on I-80, multiple NJ State Police vehicles damaged

ALLAMUCHY TWP., Pa. - Authorities in Warren County, New Jersey say a tow truck crashed on I-80 Thursday night, damaging multiple New Jersey State Police vehicles.

Around 10:30 p.m., crews were sent to mile marker 17.4 for a two-vehicle crash, according to a Facebook post from the Allamuchy Fire Department.

While operating on the scene, shortly after 11 p.m., a large Heavy Duty “rotator” tow truck towing a refrigerated box truck came crashing into the active scene, according to the post.

Multiple New Jersey State Police vehicles received significant damage, as well as some minor damage to a BLS unit and one firetruck, the fire department said.

"By a miracle, every member from Fire, EMS, and police walked away last night and returned home to their families safely," the fire department said in the Facebook post.

No word on if any of the drivers were hurt in the crash, or if anyone is facing charges. Also no word on what may have led up to the initial crash.

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Allmuchey Fire Dept.

We’ve all heard and seen the saying “Slow Down and Move Over”.

Every first responder is taught to watch their back on the roadway and to never turn your back to traffic. We see it all the time on television and social media of it happening across the country, but we never imagine it will happen so close to home.

Earlier last night, at 22:30, crews were dispatched to Mile Marker 17.4 for a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicle as a precautionary to assist with the scene.

While operating on the scene, at approximately 23:10, a large Heavy Duty “rotator” tow truck towing a refrigerated box truck came crashing into the active scene. Multiple New Jersey State Police vehicles received significant damage, as well as some minor damage to a BLS unit and one firetruck.

By a miracle, every member from Fire, EMS, and police walked away last night and returned home to their families safely.