TORONTO, ON — A Canada Cartage driver last month witnessed the unthinkable but stepped up to help a crash victim in need, likely saving a woman’s life.

On Sept. 23rd, at 9:30 a.m., on a remote section of Hwy. 32 in Eastern Ontario, Paul Peiris was traveling along the route when he witnessed a car hit the shoulder and flip twice before landing on its roof.

Without a second thought, Paul stopped and positioned his tractor-trailer across both lanes to block traffic in the hope that someone else would stop and provide additional support.

With the road blocked, Paul immediately called 911 and rushed over to the occupant to see if he could help.

Realizing the woman was bleeding and trapped in her car that was now starting to smoke, Paul knew he had to find a way to get her out of the car — and fast.

Because the doors were jammed and the car was upside down, he broke the window, carefully pulled her out, and carried her to safety. Soon after, other people showed up, and within 10 minutes an ambulance arrived.

“I’m just glad I was there to witness the accident. If I hadn’t, I’m not sure anyone would have seen the car since it landed some distance from the road on a remote section of the highway”, said Peiris.

Peiris also said he was thankful for being at the right place, at the right time. After the woman was taken care of, he left the scene and went back to work — just like any other day.

“Paul doesn’t think of himself as a hero but we feel differently,” said Jeff Lindsay, president of Canada Cartage. “We are very proud of him and his heroic efforts because we know the outcome could have been very different if he wasn’t there to help that day”.