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BEHIND THE SCENES: Heroic roofers save truck driver

BayToday reporter Chris Dawson takes us behind the scenes

On July 4, two roofers from Maberly, Ontario, had an unexpected experience while travelling to Dryden, Ontario, for a job. Matt Monkhouse, a 27-year-old volunteer firefighter, and his 19-year-old co-worker, Ewan MacMillan, were driving behind a dump truck when its tire blew, causing it to veer off the highway near Mattawa. Matt immediately rushed to help the injured driver, who was dangling out of the windshield and covered in blood with his legs pinned due to the front of the cab being pushed in.

As a trained volunteer firefighter, Matt knew he had to act quickly. With Ewan's assistance, he pried open the door of the dump truck and removed heavy equipment to unpin the driver's legs. Realizing the danger of the leaking fluid, they safely moved the injured driver away from the crash. Their quick thinking and actions earned them praise from witnesses, who commended their bravery.

The injured driver, a 64-year-old volunteer firefighter with over 25 years of experience, was taken to the Mattawa Hospital for treatment of head cuts and a badly injured wrist. After the incident, Matt and Ewan were contacted by the driver, who referred to them as his "guardian angels." This heroic experience has inspired Ewan to apply to become a volunteer firefighter himself.

Despite the adrenaline rush and shock of the situation, both roofers felt fulfilled knowing they had helped someone in need. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of first responder training and the difference individuals can make in critical situations.

Video Summary:

A pair of roofers from Maberly, Ontario, experienced an unexpected event while driving along Highway 17 near Mattawa on July 4th. Matt Monkhouse, a volunteer firefighter, and his co-worker Ewan MacMillan witnessed a dump truck veering off the highway after its tire blew. They quickly sprang into action to help the injured driver, who was trapped inside the overturned truck.

Using their training and instincts, the roofers managed to pry open the truck's door and remove heavy equipment to free the driver's pinned legs. With the help of a passing firefighter and emergency services, they safely moved the injured driver away from the vehicle. The injured driver, a 64-year-old volunteer firefighter himself, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his head and wrist.

The heroic actions of these two roofers have drawn admiration from witnesses and the injured driver's family, who referred to them as "guardian angels." Despite the intense situation, the roofers remained composed and calm throughout the rescue. Ewan, inspired by the experience, expressed his intention to become a volunteer firefighter as well. The story highlights the bravery and selflessness of everyday individuals in critical situations.