[1]The Tremont West 14th Street night sky was lit up tonight with flashing police strobes, flares, fire department, emergency crews, cautionary beacons streaking through the darkness as they all worked earnestly directing traffic, securing the perimeter, keeping on-lookers at bay and maintaining control on the scene of yet another semi-tractor trailer and it's load lying on the sidewalk in the much dreaded Round-about.
Again, James Mahon was enjoying another evening at home with his family when he saw the red semi come off 176 North Bound, enter the round-about and as the truck began the turn into the circle at what was described as a crawl speed, Mr. Mahon and others stated that the load shifted and when the truck flipped the thunderous vibrations shook the entire neighborhood.
The long box trailer was loaded with 10 - 4,000 lb rolls of aluminum which apparently shifted as the operator began to maneuver his big rig around the arched driveway.
Being first to approach the crash, Johnny Ogle and James Mahon noticed that the snapped light pole lying across the top of the cab was bearing live wires and that the truck was leaking fuel. The two men wasted no time in smashing out a window and pulling the slightly bruised driver free.
The 25 year truck driving veteran couldn't say enough about the two who didn't hesitate to come to his aid. Ron Brewster stated, "they helped me get out and brought me some water to drink. Them is some good ole boys.
Those Good Ole Boys also stepped up to the plate and assisted in calling for help, making sure that no one got near the hazardous area and directed the flow of traffic around the accident until the professionals arrived.
A number of witnesses and on-lookers were more than a bit dismayed and curious at the nasty attitude of some of the police officers arriving on the scene. They were heard loudly yelling at the two men who were trying to help. The Policemen were even seen roughly grabbing the two men by the arm and pushing them into the crowd. Since the officers would not take the time to speak to anyone, some of the witnesses did point out the faces of the uniformed law enforcers who thought that the good samaritians were out of line.
Mr. Mahon said that the city had workers out earlier in the week painting strips in the circle but his fears are still growing. The crashes are getting closer to his home and James Mahon fears that one day a gasoline hauler will flip over spilling it's load and the explosive fuel will get into the underground sewer system running under the homes near the Round-about and they will all be blasted off the hill.