KINGSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued a truck driver from his burning vehicle on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred
on the southbound lane of U.S. Highway 77 near Riviera, Texas.
A Kingsville Border Patrol agent was northbound on Highway 77 when he witnessed the tractor trailer hydroplane and strike a light post, causing it to rollover on its side and catch fire. The agent, along with the assistance of a second agent, pulled the driver out of the burning cab. The cab became engulfed in flames. Once the driver was pulled to safety, the agents attempted to extinguish the fire.
The driver was transported by emergency medical services to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. The agents were not injured in the incident and both declined medical attention.
Border Patrol agents are well-trained in life saving techniques and are often the first to respond to the scene of an accident due to the remote areas in which they work. Agents will risk their own safety to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of our communities.
The Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection.