Rubio and fellow congressman help rescue victims at car crash scene

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Nevada Rep. Joe Heck, both Republican lawmakers, came to the rescue of victims of a deadly car crash that happened right in front of them in West Virginia Thursday evening.

The two congressmen were on their way to the hotel they were staying at following an event in Ohio when a semi-trailer truck on the opposite side of the road swerved and rolled across the median, according to Politico. After seeing the entire accident take place in front of them, Rubio and Heck pulled over.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The Republicans helped one victim get out of the vehicle and assisted the EMTs once they arrived on the scene. Heck, who is a trained combat surgeon, pronounced one victim dead at the scene of the accident.

According to a report from WTRF-TV, the victim was 62-year-old Bernard Howard Bachmann. According to the local outlet, it is believed the truck may have hydroplaned on the wet road.

"Jeanette and I send our prayers and condolences to the family of the individual who tragically lost their life in Thursday night’s accident in West Virginia," Rubio said in a statement on the accident. "I want to thank all of the first responders who arrived quickly and did their jobs with swift professionalism. Please join me in praying for all those affected."

Heck, for his part, echoed Rubio's sentiment in a statement of his own, adding that he and his wife, Lisa, have "great respect for the first responders who handle such cases every day."

—

Follow the author of this story on Twitter:

Follow @tregp