HERO Tow Operator Rescues Passenger in Wrong Way Crash (TX)

[TowZone]

 

College Station police has released more information about last weekend’s collision of a wrong way SUV and a Santa’s Wonderland shuttle bus.

 

The driver of the SUV who died was identified as Anthony Dewayne Johnson of Navasota.

 

A passenger in the SUV who was rescued by a tow truck driver, Chernetris McGinty of Navasota, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.

 

The driver of the shuttle bus who was rescued by a CSPD officer, Calvin Hill of Bryan, is in serious condition at a Houston hospital.

 

The investigation continues as to how the SUV left the southbound frontage road, crossed the southbound lanes of the freeway, went through the median, and struck the northbound bus.

 

Two passengers in the bus were checked at the scene and released.

 

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[rreschran]

Living true to the name "HERO", I salute this highway tow operator who risked his life to rescue a perfect stranger who rushed to the burning Jeef and taking her to safety before the fire spread. If anyone knows the HERO tow operator's name, please share it here. Congratulations Sir, you truly are a hero.

[TowZone]

Randall, his name is Chernetris McGinty however he may go by Mark indicated elsewhere.

[rreschran]

Thanks Ron ... In many  articles I've read, his name and that of the rescuing officer weren't part of the narrative. Thank you Mark for your Heroic efforts.

[TowForce]

Heroes: tow truck driver and A&M professor credited with rescuing crash victims

The two were among a group of people, including law enforcement officers, who rescued two people from burning vehicles on Highway 6 in College Station.

https://www.kbtx.com/2022/11/24/heroes-tow-truck-driver-am-professor-credited-with-rescuing-crash-victims/

[TowForce]

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) -Days after a fiery crash claimed one person’s life and injured several others, we are learning more about the heroes who emerged to help prevent an already tragic situation from worsening.

 

A College Station police officer, a tow truck driver who is also a volunteer firefighter, and a Texas A&M University professor all risked their lives early Sunday morning by freeing two people trapped inside burning vehicles.

 

The crash happened on Highway 6 in College Station when an SUV collided with a shuttle bus transporting passengers from Santa’s Wonderland to Post Oak Mall. The impact resulted in both vehicles catching on fire.

 

For several days after the accident, some of the identities of the bystanders who helped rescue the bus driver and the passenger of the SUV remained a mystery.

 

KBTX learned and verified throughout the week that one of those heroes is Texas A&M University professor and mechanical engineer John Haglund, who was among the first on the scene following the wreck and wasted no time jumping in to help out.

 

Haglund was traveling behind the bus when the collision occurred and he stopped immediately to help the injured bus driver and Rudder High School coach Calvin Hill. Haglund said in a statement to KBTX that he attempted three times to free Hill from the bus but was unsuccessful until a police officer arrived on the scene and pulled Hill out. The heat from the fire caused resulted in Haglund receiving 2nd & 3rd-degree burns to his face, neck & arms. He was also treated at Memorial Hermann hospital in Houston at the burn center where Hill is also being treated for his burns.

 

“He was able to speak with some of the coach’s family today, as his room was only a few doors down from John’s room, and it was very emotional,” Haglund’s sister tells KBTX in a statement. “His greatest concern is for the well-being of the bus driver & his family. His injuries aren’t anywhere near what Coach Hill is dealing with. We do not need anything, just prayers & good wishes.”

 

Haglund was released on Wednesday.

 

Raymond Charanza, a tow truck driver and volunteer firefighter with Brazos County ESD #2, was another good samaritan who saw the crash and jumped into action.

 

Charanza says he came across the chaotic scene on the highway after missing his exit, which may have been fate and a blessing.

 

Charanza says once he saw the flames, he put his training as a firefighter into action.

 

“When we rolled up on the vehicles on fire and realized that, we immediately stopped, jumped out, and rushed over to assist the citizens that were already there when I encountered a young lady in a vehicle screaming that she needed help to get out,” said Charanza.