Trucker named TCA Highway Angel for heroic actions in fatal accident

In a remarkable act of bravery and compassion, Darrin Gillmore, a truck driver from Barrie, Ontario, Canada, has been honored by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) as a Highway Angel for his life-saving actions at the scene of a fatal accident. This marks the second time Gillmore has received this prestigious award. He is currently driving for Bison Transport, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

On the afternoon of May 2, at approximately 4 p.m., Gillmore and his trainee, Omen Li, encountered a severe two-vehicle collision near Sintaluta, Saskatchewan, at the intersection of Highway 606 and Highway 1. The accident, involving three individuals, had just occurred moments before they arrived.

“I had my student pull over, so I grabbed my fire extinguisher, my bolt cutters, and my first aid kit,” Gillmore recounted. “We went to the accident scene and found a lady who was fatally injured.”

Upon assessing the situation, Gillmore and Li assisted a man who had exited one of the vehicles, ensuring he was comfortable until emergency medical services (EMS) could arrive. They also took critical measures to prevent further hazards by cutting the horn and disconnecting the battery of one of the cars to avert a potential fire.

A teenage boy, who had been traveling with his deceased grandmother, was also involved in the crash. Gillmore and Li focused on keeping the boy calm and assessing his injuries until EMS personnel took over.

“We tried to keep the kid calm—obviously he knew his grandma was dead,” Gillmore explained. “We comforted him until the EMS showed up and they took over from there.”

Gillmore, who has two decades of experience driving trucks, estimated that he has encountered about three fatal accidents per year. Despite the frequency of such traumatic events, his commitment to helping others remains unwavering.

“I’ve been to many, many, many accidents and I always stop and I always help—I just do my best,” he said.

Darrin Gillmore’s dedication and quick actions exemplify the spirit of the TCA Highway Angel program, which recognizes truck drivers who selflessly help others while on the road. His courage and empathy in the face of tragedy serve as an inspiring reminder of the critical role truck drivers play in ensuring safety on our highways.