27.06.2025 12:31
In the state of Louisiana, USA, a worker repairing a traffic light was thrown into the air and flipped upside down when an 18-wheeler made a wide turn and struck the bucket. The worker survived thanks to his seatbelt. Following the incident, a heated debate erupted on social media: Who was at fault? The truck driver or the maintenance crew?
In a horrific accident in the state of Louisiana, USA, a maintenance worker working in the air was left hanging upside down after being struck by a massive 18-wheeler truck.
The worker, who was repairing a traffic light in the city of Denham Springs, was in a basket platform when a truck made a wide turn and collided with the basket, causing it to flip upside down in the air. The moments were captured second by second by the dashcam of a passing vehicle.
As the massive truck struck the basket from below during the turn, the worker was almost thrown out and was left hanging upside down, secured only by his safety belt. Below him, heavy traffic continued to flow.
The incident occurred near the Range Avenue area of the I-12 highway, and the footage quickly went viral on social media after being shared by Louisiana First News.
One viewer commented, "He was almost falling out of the basket, but if it weren't for that safety belt, he wouldn't be alive today."
In another video posted on Facebook, it is clearly seen that the truck is trying to turn while scraping against the bottom of the lift.
As a result of the collision, the worker was jolted and was left hanging on the road, only attached to his equipment.
Fred Raiford, the Director of Transportation for East Baton Rouge, stated in an interview with local television channel WBRZ-TV, "It was impossible for the truck to make that turn without hitting the pole or the basket vehicle."
Surprisingly, Denham Springs police confirmed that the worker was only slightly injured and was not taken to the hospital.
However, a significant debate began on social media after the incident: Who was at fault? The truck driver or the maintenance crew?
One user stated, "That truck driver's license is definitely revoked," while another said, "Take 4-6 weeks off immediately and hire a good lawyer, sue the company. You'll be set for life."
Some users blamed the maintenance crew for not making the work site safe enough, rather than the truck driver.
In another comment, it was said, "The truck driver is not at fault. That lane should have been closed. OSHA and the Highway Safety Agency won't let this go."
Another user commented, "This is entirely the fault of the maintenance company. The lane was not closed, and there was no personnel watching the incoming traffic."
Some viewers pointed out technical details, stating, "The basket was clearly below the 13 feet 9 inches (approximately 4.2 meters) limit. This is a complete violation of workplace safety."
Authorities stated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and that closing lanes, placing warning cones, and signs are sometimes mandatory for ensuring work areas are safe, but not always necessary.
Director Raiford stated, "Safety is always our top priority."
Fortunately, no one else was injured in the accident.