Truck Driver Involved In Tour Bus Crash Describes Horrific Ordeal

PALM SPRINGS (CBSLA.com) — CBSLA obtained a video of the truck driver speaking about the Palm Springs tour bus crash shortly after being released from the hospital Sunday.

"I'm blessed to be alive and I pray for the families that didn't make it," the driver of the big rig named Bruce said.

A cell phone video was given to CBSLA by David Hirschfield, a cab driver who picked up the trucker after he was released from Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. CBSLA was told the man's name is Bruce, he did not give his last name.

"I didn't hear nothing coming. The impact just hit me from behind. I just blacked out for a minute," Bruce said.

In the video Bruce has bandages on one hand. He also suffered cuts to his right leg. Despite his wounds, he got out of his truck and helped pull out bus passengers.

"You got to think about others. I'm going to be alright. I want to get them safe. I don't know if the bus is going to blow up," Bruce said.

Hirschfield says he recorded the conversation before he dropped Bruce off at a Palm Springs Hotel.

"He's quite a wonderful gentlemen I was privileged to pick him up," Hirschfield said. "I didn't charge him. I said you've been through enough today."

FULL COVERAGE: 

13 Dead, 31 Injured After Tour Bus, Truck Crash On 10 Freeway In Palm Springs

Tour Bus Company Had Never Been Disciplined Or Sanctioned