Gold Coast motorway disaster: Truck driver thanks those who helped him after fiery crash

DAVE, the truckie who survived the horrific crash on the M1 at Nerang last week, has thanked the brave men who rescued him.

DAVE, the truckie who survived the horrific crash on the M1 at Nerang last week, has ­finally been able to say thank you to the brave men who rescued him.

The truckie’s boss Bill Ward, owner of Lismore-based Bill Ward Transport, revealed yesterday 72-year-old Dave was visited this week by some of his rescuers.

Dave, who suffered four fractured ribs, burns to his ­fingers and a cut on his forehead, remains in hospital but is recovering well.

Athen Barnaby rescues Dave from the burning truck on the M1.

He is expected to be released by the end of the week.

Mr Ward has visited Dave twice since the accident and said he was impressed with the man’s rescuers who stayed with the driver at the hospital until his family turned up.

“He’s had most of the guys come in and see him personally this week and he’s thanked them for saving his life,” Mr Ward said.

“He is very grateful for their help ... but he is still very ­traumatised by the event and is in pain.

“But he’s happy it didn’t turn out worse,” he said.

Athen Barnaby rescues Dave.

Mr Ward said he believed the 19m refrigerated semi-trailer was forced off the road by a car that cut the driver off from a left lane.

“There was no galah involved and no broken legs as reported by the TV channels,” he said.

A police spokeswoman said they are still investigating the accident.

Firefighters and emergency services at the scene of the crash on the bridge over the Nerang River at Nerang. Photo: Glenn Hampson