Valley Woman’s Heart-Stopping Escape from Flaming Car on US 60: ‘I Thought I Would Die’

A cement mixing truck collided with a woman’s pick-up truck on the U.S. 60 near Val Vista Drive Tuesday morning, igniting a dangerous fire.

Aymee Ruiz, who had just dropped her children off at school, described the harrowing moments before the crash. “I thought I would never see my kids again,” she recalled.

As the truck approached swiftly from behind, anxiety gripped Ruiz. “I clenched onto the steering wheel and closed my eyes, bracing for impact,” she said.

The collision flipped her truck onto its side. Stuck inside, Ruiz attempted to call her husband but quickly realized her vehicle was engulfed in flames.

“I thought I was going to die in there,” said Ruiz, who felt overwhelmed with fear. “I was terrified.”

Witnesses rushed to her aid, with some attempting to break the window. Among them was Chandler Police Officer Brian Larison, who happened to witness the crash. Armed with his baton, he battled to free her.

“When I saw the officer break the window, I felt such relief,” Ruiz stated. “I knew I was getting closer to being saved.”

After several attempts, Officer Larison managed to shatter the glass. However, as Ruiz attempted to escape, the truck flipped back onto its wheels, causing her to fall back inside.

“That’s when my hair caught on fire,” she said, explaining the chaos inside her burning truck. “My eyelashes are completely gone.”

As smoke filled the cab, the danger escalated. Ruiz covered her eyes and struggled to escape through the window until she felt the arms of a firefighter pulling her to safety.

Peoria Firefighter Asa Paguia also happened to be en route to work when he intervened. “I just remember holding onto the officer for dear life,” Ruiz said. “I knew right then and there I was saved.”

Ruiz emerged from the ordeal with minor injuries, including burnt hair. “I couldn’t believe I survived that,” she expressed. “What a relief.”

Captured on dash cameras and Officer Larison’s helmet camera, the dramatic event serves as a vivid reminder of life’s fragility. Ruiz has watched those recordings multiple times, cherishing the second chance she’s been given.

Despite losing her truck and personal belongings in the fire, Ruiz emphasized the importance of life over material possessions. “I’m just grateful to be alive,” she stated. “Those who helped me are heroes.”