Man From Region Trapped Beneath SUV Rescued By Tow Truck Employees, Police Officer

A man from the region who was trapped underneath a vehicle after a parking lot crash was rescued by employees from a tow truck company and a police officer.

The area of the accident at Tilly's Diner.
Photo Credit: *Pixabay/diegoparra and Google Maps street view*

Kathy Reakes

10/30/2024 9:00 a.m.

The incident occurred in Sullivan County at 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the parking lot of Tilly's Diner at 34 Raceway Road in Monticello.

According to Lt. Mark Johnstone of the Monticello Police, a 70-year-old Mongaup Valley man was involved in a minor property damage accident in the parking lot.

While getting out to inspect the damage to his vehicle, a 2015 Ford Explorer, the SUV suddenly accelerated in reverse. The driver was then dragged under and across the parking lot, with the vehicle coming to a stop with his legs and chest still underneath, Johnston said.

Johnstone arrived on the scene and immediately commandeered a Prestige Towing flatbed truck parked in the Diner’s lot.

Johnstone said with the assistance of Prestige employees Joseph Hand Jr. and Kevin Walden, they lifted the vehicle, and the victim was pulled out from underneath.

Empress EMS transported the victim to Garnet Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown in stable condition.

The Monticello Fire Department and Sullivan County Sheriff's Office also responded and assisted at the scene.

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