'Quick-thinking' driver stops runaway dump truck

Two cranes work to remove the dump truck from under a pedestrian bridge in Guangdong Province on Thursday. Witnesses say the driver raised the bed in order to stop the truck after a brake failure. Photo: Yangcheng Evening News

A runaway dump truck was stopped from careening into traffic in Guangzhou thanks to the actions of its quick-witted driver.

The driver, who was unnamed in Chinese reports, fully extended the truck's bed before ramming into a pedestrian bridge early on September 19, bringing the car to a crashing halt.

Two cranes worked several hours to remove the lodged truck from under a 4.3-meter-high overpass on Shisha Road in the city's Baiyun district.

Contrary to a sub-district official report that claims there were no injuries, witnesses say the heroic driver emerged from the cab bleeding and was rushed to hospital.

A witness standing on the overpass surnamed Zhao said the truck was driving eastward with its dump box fully extended when it rammed into the bridge.

"I think it was brake failure; the truck would have crashed into a lot of cars if it didn't stop," said Zhao.

The accident brought morning traffic to a standstill and the overpass has been closed for repairs.