Driver Pinned Between 2 Semi Trucks Tells Of Terrifying Crash

Driver pinned between 2 semi trucks tells of terrifying crash

On the foggy, icy Oregon interstate , Kaleb Whitby plowed into the back of a jackknifed semi truck, flipping his pickup over.

Then the real horror came: the sight of another tractor-trailer zooming straight toward him.

"When I saw those lights coming, I knew he was going to hit me," Whitby said.

"And then I closed my eyes and prayed that everything turned out OK. That was all I could do."

He gripped the steering wheel tightly as the second semi smashed through his pickup, crushing it like a soda can.

"It was just metal crunching and glass. It was just all fast and loud."

The crash left only two things intact: The marred shell surrounding Whitby's seat, and Whitby, who was pinned between the two trucks.

"I got scared of the possibility it could have been the end," the 27-year-old father said.

But he was alive. And alert. And nearly scratch-free.

Whitby was part of a 26-vehicle pileup Saturday on Interstate 84 outside Baker City, Oregon.

"This is the biggest crash I have seen in a while," Oregon State Police Sgt. Kyle Hove said. "It was extremely slick out there. One semi that spun around on the black ice started the chain reaction."

About a dozen people were injured, including two seriously. But no fatalities.

"It's surprising no one died in this," Hove said.

Before trying to wiggle out, Whitby decided to let the sound of traffic subside "to make sure things were OK."

Then passers-by came to help. "One guy pulled my feet out just enough so I could slide out of the car."

Whitby's injuries? A bruise on his left eyebrow and a few scratches on his right hand.

The power of prayer.

The power of metal!

I have traveled that stretch of road quite a bit. From the Blues on I-84 to the Oregon/Idaho Border, it can get pretty nasty. Unless the weather changes at the Oregon/Idaho border, Oregon could do a better job clearing their roads. There have been times when roads suck in Eastern Oregon, then I cross into Idaho and the roads are 100% better.

I had to shut down very early yesterday because I84 east of Pendleton was shut down. I drove past the actual crash site about an hour ago. Wasn't pretty! Trailer dolly in the ditch upside down. Plastic and metal everywhere.

It was pretty slippery this morning. Glad everyone is safe!

He is so lucky to be alive! I think I would have freaked out and had a massive heart attack.

When you look at the photo, the pick up driver was EXTREMELY LUCKY.

Another view from a friend. Luckily he wasn't in the pile up

It's nearly inconceivable that he lived.....wow......