Gulfport man saves driver from burning semi-truck

GULFPORT, Fla. — A Gulfport man is being praised as a hero after he saved a driver from a burning semi-truck.

“I’m just a good man,” said Chase Thalheimer. “At the right place, at the right time.”

Thalheimer was driving Tuesday morning when he saw a truck overturn on its side, along the exit ramp of Interstate 275 and SR 690.

Thalheimer said he immediately stopped.

“Maybe it was God’s calling,” he said. “I can’t explain it. I just felt like I had to run and help him.”

As others drove by, Thalheimer said he could hear screams inside the truck. So he searched for a way to rescue the driver.

Thalheimer said he went to the passenger side. The driver was trying to open the door.

“And I’m like, ‘Just grab me,’” Thalheimer said. “And he put his arms around me, around my neck and I just put my arms under his armpits and I pulled as hard as I could. At that time the door went down on him and I just pulled him out. And then he fell on top of me.”

The wife of the truck driver said her husband has a long healing journey ahead, but she is grateful he’s alive. 

Wednesday afternoon, she sent a text to Thalheimer:

“Thank you. I am just beyond grateful he is alive. It is nothing short of a miracle. I am so happy that he is able to talk and looks strong considering everything. He has a healing journey to go through, but I know with God it’ll be a rapid recovery. I appreciate you more than you know. You saved my husband’s life.”

On Wednesday, Thalheimer said he was a little sore, but he would do it all over again. He said he wishes the driver a speedy recovery. He just wishes he could have gotten to the scene sooner.

By the way, this is not the first time Thalheimer said he made a rescue. Years ago, he said he rushed into a burning house to save someone’s pet. 

Thalheimer said he hopes his actions are a message to others.

“All we have is the time at hand,” Thalheimer said. “Live in the now, make a difference.”