After a rescue effort involving multiple agencies, a driver was freed Tuesday afternoon from his overturned cement truck west of Licking, authorities said.
The driver, William J. Scantlin, 47, of Licking, was trapped in the wreckage for more than three hours and removed after efforts involving fire departments from Houston, Licking and Roby, as well as the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The redi-mix truck — owned by a firm that has businesses in Houston and Licking — blew a tire and the vehicle eventually ran off Highway 32 and down an embankment east of Mason Bridge at about 10:30 a.m.
Scantlin, who has serious injuries, was airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Springfield by a medical helicopter that landed several hours earlier in a nearby field. Rescue workers also battled hot, humid conditions. Additional medical help was sought to help emergency personnel.Â