Andrew Burkhart, a driver for FFE Transportation Services of Lancaster, Texas, has been named TCA’s latest Highway Angel for helping two children who lost most of their family in a horrific accident. At 5:15 a.m. CT on March 26, it was still dark and cold as Burkhart traveled toward his home in Michigan. He was driving northbound on Interstate 65, near mile marker 63 in Munfordville, Ky., when a van built to hold 15 people passed him.
Moments later, he saw a tractor-trailer heading southbound cross the median and slam head-on into the van before striking a cliff and bursting into flames. Burkhart dialed 911, then approached the grisly scene, searching through many dead bodies for survivors. Two young boys, held in place by car seats, were still alive and appeared unharmed. Burkhart brought them to his own truck, keeping them warm for more than half an hour until authorities arrived.
The police determined that 11 people died that day: the driver of the tractor-trailer and 10 occupants of the van, most of whom were members of a Mennonite family on their way to a wedding. They had only been on the road for a few minutes.
For the kindness he showed that day, Burkhart received a Highway Angel lapel pin, certificate and patch. FFE Transportation Services also received a certificate acknowledging that one of its drivers is a Highway Angel.
