Several people were injured today when the driver of a runaway 10-wheel hauler asphalt truck smashed into the side of a single-story house in El Cerrito, snapping a power pole and destroying other vehicles on Moeser Lane before setting fire to the area.
Residents were also affected by the crash when power was knocked out in El Cerrito, Richmond and Berkeley.
El Cerrito Police Detective Sgt. Shawn Maples was one of the first rescue workers to arrive at the scene.
After hearing cries coming from the burning truck and house, he spotted the driver lodged between the wheels of the truck. With the driver’s legs mangled and unable to move, Maples pulled the driver to safety with the help of Police Chief Scott Kirkland.
"We dragged him out in a heartbeat while the truck went up in flames. I just wanted to get him out of there", Maples said.
Three other vehicles on the scene were also destroyed.
The driver of a Honda sedan was pulled to safety after his car was found crumpled. Rescue workers had to peel the roof of the car off to get to the driver.
Another sport utility vehicle holding a man and boy inside was stuck in the shrubbery next to the burning house. The force of the truck’s collision was so strong that it knocked over a third vehicle from Moeser Lane to the next street, Richmond.
Residents were also affected by the crash when power was knocked out in El Cerrito, Richmond and Berkeley.
One witness who lives across the street from the single-story home that was destroyed in the fire, was on his way to work around 1:30 p.m. when he heard the booming noise.
“First, I thought it was a major earthquake. This is unbelievable”.
His front yard was littered with bricks, broken glass, car parts, splintered wood and palm fronds.
The San Jose man identified as the driver of the asphalt truck broke both legs in the crash and is listed in serious but stable condition at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.
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