Republican lawmakers Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Rep. Joe Heck of Nevada rescued survivors from a four-car collision on Interstate 70 near the Highlands in West Virginia late Thursday.
The two lawmakers had attended a dinner at Undo’s West in St. Clairsville and were driving to their hotel when they witnessed a tractor trailer lose control in the rain. The truck hydroplaned across the highway median and collided with three oncoming vehicles.
The former Republican presidential candidate and congressman seeking Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid’s seat pulled over and ran to the scene.
Heck, a former surgeon, and Rubio helped pull a victim from a car and provided assistance to those affected in the accident until first responders arrived. Heck pronounced one man, 62-year-old Bernard Bachmann, dead at the scene.
“We just vastly appreciate the help,” Ohio County Sheriff Pat Butler later said of Rubio and Heck.
The highway remained closed until 1:30 a.m. Friday. Police said they do not believe drugs or alcohol played caused the crash, clearing tractor-trailer driver Richie Samuel of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Rubio and Heck extended their condolences to the victims Friday.
“Jeanette [Rubio] and I send our prayers and condolences to the family of the individual who tragically lost their life in Thursday night’s accident in West Virginia. I want to thank all of the first responders who arrived quickly and did their jobs with swift professionalism. Please join me in praying for all those affected,” Rubio said.
“Lisa [Heck] and I want to join the Rubios in offering prayers and condolences to those grieving and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. As always, we have great respect for the first responders who handle such cases every day,” Heck added.
