Two Canadian customs officers are being hailed as heroes after they rescued a Toronto transport-truck driver from his burning vehicle.
The tractor-trailer was approaching the Canadian side of the Peace Bridge that links Fort Erie, Ont., with Buffalo, New York at around 2:30 a.m.
The 55-year-old driver from North York lost control of the vehicle while taking a turn, flipping the big rig onto its side.
The truck burst into flames with the unconscious driver inside the cab.
Canadian customs officials Terry MacArthur and Derick Weston battled the flames and pulled the driver from the burning wreckage.
"Once we got a grip on him, we got him out of the window and slid him across the pavement," MacArthur told CTV News.
The driver was rushed to Erie County Medical Centre in Buffalo, with life-threatening injuries. His identity has not been released and he is listed in serious condition.
The two border guards were treated for smoke inhalation. John Eldridge, a supervisor with Canadian Border Services, praised both of the men for their efforts.
"Everybody did a great job. They did their job and had a great first response and probably saved the guy's life," Eldridge told CTV News.
Canadian and American firefighters fought the blaze for nearly 30 minutes.
The Peace Bridge has since been reopened and police are investigating.
Niagara authorities believe the driver of the truck, which was filled with carrots, was driving at a high rate of speed.
With a report from CTV's Jim Junkin
