On Monday, July 1st, two Special Assignment Agents on the Rankin County Interdiction team were on I-20 monitoring traffic when an 18-wheeler blew out its right front tire and veered off the road.

The crash happened around 4:45 p.m.

The 18-wheeler went over a creek and into the woods before flipping upside down.’

The two agents rushed down after the truck and noticed the driver was trapped.

They worked together and one deputy crawled into the truck, pulling the driver out to safety.

As the other deputy was getting the driver up the hill and away from the wreck, the 18-wheeler cab burst into flames.

According to Rankin County Interdiction Team Supervisor Chris Picou, the fire started less than a minute after the driver was rescued.

“They did a hell of a job, didn’t panic. I watched the body camera footage and they worked together to get him out. Had they not been there, I don’t believe he would have gotten out. He was stuck in there.”

Sheriff Bryan Bailey said both deputies will be recommended for a lifesaving award.

The driver was transported to the hospital with serious injuries to his back and hip.