Police: 2 women save men from truck after Highway 321 crash

NEWTON, N.C. — The southbound lanes of Highway 321 are still shutdown at River Road to Highway 10 south of Hickory after a serious accident.

Good Samaritans are being credited with rescuing two men from an overturned truck that crashed.

"You don't hesitate in a moment like that you just try to help," said witness Anita Newton.

Witnesses said it was raining very hard at the time of the accident.

Highway Patrol troopers believe a car went under the cable guardrail and into the southbound traffic.

Rescuers and firefighters worked for more than 30 minutes after the violent crash near the Newton exit.

Investigators believe the car crossed the median where it struck the tailored foam box truck, which had veered hard to the right to avoid the crash.

SLIDESHOW: Scene of serious crash on Hwy 321

Two women who witnessed the crash did not hesitate to help after seeing the driver and his passenger were unable to get out on their own.

"You don't hesitate in a moment like that you just try to help," said witness Anita Newton.

"Myself and a couple of other women we pulled the windshield. We could hear the guys beating on the windshield trying to kick it out.   So we got ahold of the windshield and pulled the windshield out enough to get them out of the truck," Newton said.

An environmental cleanup crew was called in after some chemicals leaked from the truck.

"It's a good thing a good Samaritan stopped to help and assist people," said Mountain View Fire Department Chief Tony Holsclaw.

Firefighters appreciate what the women did, but said it is important to call 911 first and be careful around any crash scene. 

Newton is just glad the men she helped are alright.  "Those guys if you look at that truck were very lucky.  All of them were," she said.

One firefighter said it could take another hour to get the mess cleaned up.

ALTERNATE ROUTES: Drivers going southbound should detour at Exit 41, River Road (SR1144). At the top of the ramp, traffic should turn right onto River Road and proceed approximately a quarter-mile until the stop sign at Zion Church Road (SR1008). Traffic should turn left onto Zion Church Road and proceed approximately four miles until the stop light at N.C. 10. Traffic should turn left onto N.C. 10 and proceed approximately two miles until returning to U.S. 321.

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