WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-Man from Arab critically injured in highway accident
By Trang Do
WAFF 48 News Reporter
Three members of a Department of Transportation work crew were injured in an accident Monday morning. They were laying cones on Interstate 65 near Cullman.
All three men are from Arab. A DOT spokesman says two of them suffered minor injuries and have been treated and released. But a third remains in intensive care at UAB Hospital in Birmingham.
"He's such a genuine, nice guy, how could something tragic happen to him?" Lindsay Athow is talking about her long-time friend, Joey Mallard.
Only 21-years-old, Mallard was critically injured Monday while working on I-65 in Cullman County for the Alabama Department of Transportation.
A State Trooper spokesman says a driver was changing lanes when a pick-up truck attached to his RV came loose and plowed into Mallard, pinning his legs between that truck and his work vehicle." I've heard that his legs were going to have to be amputated from the knees down," said Athow.
"I also heard he was in a coma. I had several people call me yesterday and update me, let me know what was going on."
Monday's accident is a tragic reminder that drivers need to be especially careful while traveling through work zones on our highways and byways."
"He didn't talk a lot about it, but we knew it was a dangerous job," said Athow.
Mallard was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham. But Athow says he's surrounded by family and friends who will help him recover.
"I just wish the best for him and his family," she said. "They're in my prayers, along with everyone else's."
At this time, Mallard is still listed in critical condition and is being treated in the intensive care unit.
You can contact Trang at tdo@waff.com
