The crispy truck is still running.
California is currently experiencing wildfires that have claimed many lives and destroyed entire communities. Some have had to resort to extreme measures in order to survive the dangerous and intense situation. Adventist Health nurse Allyn Pierce managed the ICU and used his Toyota Tundra for assistance in evacuating patients who were stuck at the hospital.
Jack Nicas, of The New York Times, discovered the story. According to Pierce, Pierce and his coworkers helped evacuate the hospital. They were unable to get out of Pierce’s truck because of a burning truck blocking their route. The bulldozer stepped in and pushed the vehicle out of their way. Pierce decided to drive to safety and instead turned the truck around to return to the hospital, where he found Paradise residents who had been injured. They were searching for help.
To help injured patients, police, nurses, paramedics and doctors broke into the hospital. After the hospital caught on fire, staff set up a temporary triage area and moved the injured residents 100 yards away from the hospital’s helicopter pad. Everyone made it safely to safety when the path was finally cleared.
Pierce’s truck looks more like a marshmallow than a Tundra pickup truck. The plastic parts, such as the light covers and side mirrors, have melted. It still works. It won’t stay that way for too long. Toyota USA was alerted to the story by Pierce and posted an Instagram post. The official Toyota USA Instagram account replied “We are humbled that you would risk your life and Toyota Tundra in order to drive people safely.” We’re happy to give you a brand new truck.
California’s fires are tragic. Many people are being forced to flee their homes and their entire lives are destroyed. More than 40 people have been killed in the Camp Fire near Paradise. The fire almost trapped Pierce and his colleagues as well as injured residents.