Lucky-to-be-alive Queensland livestock truckie Aaron Sutton is looking forward to being discharged from hospital soon after a rollover on the Warrego Highway at Haigslea on Wednesday afternoon.
Aaron was trapped for more than two hours in the mangled cab as a large team of first responders worked frantically to free him from the tight spot before he was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
His company, Darling Downs-based Sutton Brothers Livestock, took to social media this week to thank everyone involved for their help in freeing Aaron and to clear up some misconceptions about the crash.
“This was caused by a blown steer tyre,” the statement said.
“There was no speeding or fatigue involved in the incident, as has been suggested by people.”
Sutton Brothers also thanked all the well-wishers who had called and sent texts and messages.
“To know Aaron is a well liked young man is fantastic.”
Sutton Brothers updated social media followers yesterday on his injuries which at that stage were a sternum fracture, cracked rib cartilages, a T8 vertebrae fracture (“however, they are not concerned about that”) and various cuts and lacerations, including one on his head that needed 18 staples.
Sutton Brothers also said Aaron got a boost from a surprise visit from long-time friend Kane Wenzel and shared a pic of their reunion.
Wenzel used to be a mechanic at RTA in Longreach, a company that Sutton Brothers does a lot of work with, before leaving in 2024 to start his own auctioneering business in Gracemere.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and was back at the hospital for treatment for an infection.
“Great to have him catch up with Aaron and Ashley and they were able to have some laughs,” Sutton Brothers told Big Rigs.
“They were going to see who would have the biggest scar on their head, however, even Kane said Aaron would win.”