Highway Hero Rewarded by Goodyear for Rescuing Two Young Girls

It's not easy to be a hero and the few who dare to assume this role should be rewarded accordingly. That's exactly what happened to a Colorado truck driver who saved two young girls after a terrifying highway crash in October, last year. Jorge Orozco Sanchez was rewarded by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company with the 26th Goodyear North American Highway Hero Award for his courageous deed. Together with the award he also received a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque and a specially designed ring.

"Jorge's quick thinking and bravery will be reflected in the lives of these two girls, just 1 and 4 years old, in years to come. It is our hope that their friends and family, including the girls' father, Colin Nicklas, may find comfort in the saving of these two young lives. Though modest about the rescue, Jorge should feel proud of his actions. His heroics and those of the truck drivers honored through this award are truly inspiring," said Joseph Copeland, vice president, Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems.

The terrible accident happened in October last year, when a SUV crashed into his tractor-trailer rig. Due to the impact, the SUV was pushed backward down the road for about 200 feet. After it stopped, Sanchez jumped from his truck to see whether the passengers in the other vehicle were hurt.

The two vehicles were already surrounded by flames but this didn't stop him from rescuing the two girls who were blocked in their car seats. With a help of a passer-by who fought back the flames with a fire extinguisher, Sanchez managed to free the two girls (just 1 and 4 years old) from their car seats. Unfortunately, their 27-year-old mother died in the crash and could not be rescued.

Following his heroic deed, Orozco Sanchez suffered burns on his arms and was taken to a nearby hospital. The fire destroyed the two vehicle, together with the side of a nearby building. If it wasn't for Orozco Sanchez, the girls would have probably died.