By LOIS CLERMONT
News Editor
and LUCAS BLAISE
Contributing Writer
CHATEAUGAY — Annie Raville says her brother-in-law owes his life to a co-worker.
Raynaldo Cruz, 52, of Chateaugay is in critical condition in Clark Burn Unit of Syracuse University.
But Raville says he would be dead if it weren’t for Rick Favreau.
Cruz was driving a Mack truck on Interstate 87 in Plattsburgh Monday afternoon, coming from a site where the company he works for, Dick Glode Construction, has a job.
Favreau, who lives in West Chazy and works for the same company, was following in another vehicle.
The tire on Cruz’s truck blew, sending the dump truck careening into the woods, where it burst on fire.
Raville said Cruz was semi-conscious and trying to get free of the wreckage.
“He probably would have burned alive,” she said, if it hadn’t been for Favreau, who dragged Cruz out.
Favreau himself was injured in the rescue attempt, although not as seriously as Cruz, who was still in critical condition Wednesday with “quite extensive burns,” Raville said.
Her sister, Lisa Cruz, and mother, Anne Purdy of Malone, are at the hospital in Syracuse. The Cruzes have two teenage girls, Aurela and Danielle.
“We wanted to recognize Rick Favreau on behalf of our family,” said Raville, who is from North Bangor. “He risked his life to save my brother-in-law.”
Favreau doesn’t see himself as a hero.
“Anybody in my situation would have done the same thing. I wasn’t thinking. It was just instincts. Even after I heard the explosion, I hesitated a second. Then, I just went in.”
Favreau was two trucks behind Cruz on the Northway as they were driving back to the quarry in Plattsburgh.
“I saw the fender going flying off,” he recalled Wednesday.
Once Cruz’s truck went off the road, Favreau checked his mirror, turned on his blinker and pulled off.
He tried the driver’s side door of Cruz’s truck but had to go around to the other side.
“By the time I got to the other side, there was smoke just rolling out the windows,” Favreau said. “So I just grabbed a hold of him.”
He thinks Cruz would have fared OK without him, even though he was hurt, had difficulty breathing and couldn’t see.
“He would have got himself out, had I been there or not. Ray’s a fighter. I learned that that day,” Favreau said. “And he’s definitely a nice guy.”
Local News
Fellow driver pulled man from burning truck
- Breaking News
-
-
Westport fire guts home
Teens escape early morning fire, but cats likely perished.
-
Town hiring notice causes confusion
The Town of Malone's attempt to contract with an administrator for a business-loan program may not have followed state-grant guidelines.
-
- New Today
-
-
Saranac Lake restaurant to reopen Saturday
Asian Buffet Hibachi and Sushi has been closed since a sprinkler system malfunctioned Dec. 19, 2011.
-
Saranac Lake restaurant to reopen Saturday
- Local News
-
-
Fair-share payment puzzles some child-care providers
Plattsburgh meeting to address concerns of area child care providers being hit with a fee for union representation even though they never joined the union.
-
Essex County craves sales-tax hike
The extra ¼ percent would bring total sales tax to 8 percent, like neighboring counties.
-
Ernie's Market closes without warning
A sign on the door of the popular Westport store expresses appreciation "to all of our loyal customers."
-
Boy released from hospital following serious injury
Firefighters had to extricate 10-year-old Dawson Dessureault from a car involved in a crash Friday, Feb. 3.
-
Dissolution study hits a snag
The departure of staff gathering information for Malone's government-efficiency committee will delay the information sharing for a few weeks.
-
Council: state budget cuts threaten Adirondacks
Adirondack Council calls for an immediate increase in the state's Environmental Protection Fund and in EnCon staffing.
-
Elizabethtown wastewater plans updated
It is expected that it will take about six months to have the necessary paperwork filed, get permits, receive responses from the property owners to determine hookup locations and get easements.
-
Fort Ti brings in more money
Donations at the national historic landmark increased by 12 percent last year.
-
Saranac Lake sparkles
The Winter Carnival continues through Sunday.
-
Of Interest: Feb. 8, 2012
Clinton Co. Sheriff's Office investigating lost restaurant money; Peruvian arrested at Champlain border.
-
Seniors click toward computer literacy
The Clinton County Senior Computer Club is a great way for seniors to learn computer basics at the Senior Center.
- February 7, 2012
-
Fair-share payment puzzles some child-care providers
The 2 percent deduction from Social Services stipends helps pay for advocacy efforts by the Voice of Organized Independent Child Care Educators. A meeting in Plattsburgh on Thursday will address that issue and others.
-
Dissolution study hits a snag
The departure of staff gathering information for Malone's government-efficiency committee will delay the information sharing for a few weeks.
-
New Essex County courtroom has security issues
There's no line of sight between the judge's bench and the witness stand, so renovations must be made.
-
Meeting of the minds on fake pot
Students were among those who spoke up at a session in Essex County, helping to make a plan to combat the dangers of synthetic marijuana.
-
State considers bobcat management plan
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking public comments on a plan that will help officials adjust hunting and trapping seasons for the species statewide.
-
Two displaced in Westville fire
A woodstove is likely the cause of a blaze that left a farmhouse a total loss, just months after being purchased by an engaged couple.
-
Report: Power project to create many jobs
Champlain Hudson Power Express project is also expected to increase New York state's gross domestic product.
-
Fair-share payment puzzles some child-care providers
- Recent Article Comments
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
