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Tradie saves paramedics from tragedy seconds before truck crash

A tradie has helped to prevent a horrifying freeway tragedy by screaming a warning to paramedics, just seconds before a truck crashed into their ambulance.

The B-Double lost control on Melbourne’s East Link on ramp, soon after another crash.

The paramedics had been called to treat a crash victim when they almost became victims themselves.

The tradesmen managed to warn them, when he saw the truck roaring towards them with only seconds to spare.

Artie the plumber was quick thinking at the crash scene. Photo: 7 News.
Artie the plumber was quick thinking at the crash scene. Photo: 7 News.

“I sort of yelled at everyone to get out of the way, pushed them in the direction to run and that was it… we all ran for it,” Artie the plumber told 7 News.

Artie was driving to a job on the East Link when he noticed a silver Nissan crash into a barricade.

He got out of his car to help stop traffic and to see if the driver was OK.

However, as he chatted with those at the scene there was another crash that could have killed them all.

“I heard the truck, that’s what got my attention. I think it was braking and I looked up and saw it swerving.

“Once I saw that it was just time to get out of there.”

The truck lost control on the bend and jack-knifed, hitting the ambulance and barricade.

The truck was the second crash at the scene. Photo: 7 News.
The truck was the second crash at the scene. Photo: 7 News.

Incredibly, it only narrowly missed Artie, the other driver and all emergency workers at the scene.

Police will investigate if speed was a factor in the second crash, after the front of the truck flew off and on to the road.

Constable Michael Martino told 7 News those involved were “pretty lucky”.

Artie felt luck was on his side.

“It’s the first time ever but it’s on my side this time… I’ll take it,” he said.

The ambulance in the aftermath of the second crash.
The ambulance in the aftermath of the second crash.