ANGELS IN MONSTER TRUCKS
Crane operator joins rescue efforts in storm-hit Texas
PORT ARTHUR
ZUB Ferrell’s passion is driving through the mud and muck of mega truck competitions. But this week, he has embraced another mission: using his huge rig to save flood victims stranded after monster storm Harvey.
From his unusually high perch above the road, the 40-year-old crane operator drove his truck, named Old Habits, deep into Texas floodwaters on Friday — part of an extra-high-clearance four-wheel force that has descended on Port Arthur’s hardhit neighbourhoods to shuttle hundreds of people to safety.
More cumbersome than boats but flexible because of their manoeuvrability through floodwaters and roadways, the mega trucks have formed an important division in the army of volunteers helping alongside emergency responders.
“You have people hugging you. We’ve had people try to pay us. We’re not taking any money,” Ferrell said.
The work took a toll on his custom-modified, 3.3m-tall truck: he estimated US$500 (RM2,136) in repairs since the floods started, and some 284 litres of gas.
“But the hugs and kisses, watching a grown man cry when you come save him — it’s all worth it.”
Several mega trucks have joined the effort, including the Big Red Mud Truck from Fort Worth, Texas, which on Friday was rolling the same streets as Old Habits, and others from as far away as Illinois.
As Ferrell’s truck growled on, boat-based rescue personnel and residents glided by and gave a thumbs up, then exchange vital information with him about where the most critical cases are.
“You okay?” Candace Sammons, one of Ferrell’s two search partners who stood on the truck’s running boards, shouted out to a man in his front yard.
The resident asked for supplies, and Sammons pulled a case of bottled water off the roof to toss down to him.
Ferrell, whose arms are covered in elaborate tattoos, estimated he had rescued more than 45 people, six dogs and “one very angry cat” in recent days.
Parts of Port Arthur on Friday remained under 1.5m of water, but Old Habits can go 2.4m deep and emerge unscathed.
With the 175cm-tall tires churning, Ferrell guided his ride through the murky water, seeking out residents who, despite refusing to leave their homes for days, had finally broken down and agreed to be evacuated.
One by one, they climbed out of the wet, scrambled up the huge tires and stepped into the cab, which began its life as a standard 1998 Chevrolet Suburban before the dramatic uplift.
During a 90-minute circuit, Ferrell drew plenty of smiles from adults and children alike.
But he stressed the importance of the rescue work in a sprawling natural disaster blamed for at least 42 deaths.
“We’re not out here on a joy ride. We’re trying to save people,” he said.
“We’re doing what we can in a terrible situation.” AFP