A pickup truck driver survived a dramatic crash in western Wyoming after losing control, colliding with a commercial vehicle, rolling multiple times down an embankment and coming to rest in the Snake River Canyon.
Wyoming Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred in the afternoon of June 29 on U.S. Highway 89 near mile marker 124.
Troopers said a southbound Ford F-250 drifted into the northbound lane, where it struck the side of a car hauler before scraping along the trailer.
After clearing the commercial vehicle, the pickup left the roadway, crashed through a guardrail and rolled two to three times down an embankment before landing upright in the Snake River. The Wyoming Highway Patrol and local officials shared details of the crash, while Cowboy State Daily first reported on the incident.
Driver Escapes With Minor Injuries
Despite the severity of the crash, the driver was able to get out of the pickup without assistance before being helped by first responders.
The driver was transported to Alpine for medical treatment, where they were treated for cuts and bruises before being released, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Troopers cited the driver for failure to maintain lane discipline. Officials did not release the driver’s identity or provide additional information about what caused the vehicle to drift into the opposing lane.
Seatbelt Credited With Saving Driver’s Life
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said investigators believe the driver’s seatbelt played a key role in surviving the crash.
“The driver of this pickup isn’t just lucky to be alive,” the agency wrote in a social media post. “The driver was wearing their seatbelt, and we believe that was a primary factor in their survival.”
The patrol also used the crash as a reminder for motorists to pay attention, drive for conditions and always wear a seatbelt.
Online Reactions Call Survival a Miracle
Photos of the wrecked pickup quickly drew hundreds of reactions online, with many people describing the driver’s survival as miraculous.
Numerous commenters credited the driver’s survival to divine intervention or a guardian angel, while others pointed to the importance of simply wearing a seatbelt after seeing the extent of the damage.
Several people questioned what caused the pickup to cross into the opposite lane or whether additional factors such as fatigue or distraction may have played a role.
However, authorities have not released any information suggesting what caused the driver to lose control, and no impairment has been alleged.