Joshua Chieka

Joshua Chieka rescued Brynn Goedel from burning, Etna, Ohio, November 14, 2023. Brynn, 16, was among 52 students and three faculty members aboard a charter bus heading to a band event when a tractor trailer caused a multi-vehicle accident that ultimately struck the rear of the bus, bringing it to rest along the shoulder of the highway. A fire broke out at the tractor trailer and a second vehicle that then spread to the rear of the bus. While the majority of the bus passengers were able to evacuate, Brynn, who had been standing in the aisle attempting to access the bathroom at the moment of impact, was thrown about 15 feet and suffered severe injuries that rendered her immobile. Driving nearby, Chieka, 37, truck driver, saw flames issuing from the bus. He stopped and ran to the bus, where he entered through the open bus door and ascended the stairs after learning from chaperones that other students remained on the bus. Chieka then crouched down and moved about 30 feet toward the rear of the bus amid floor-to-ceiling smoke while reaching his hands out, trying to locate passengers. He then felt his hands brush Brynn. He grasped Brynn and, while maintaining the crouched position, dragged her backward toward the front of the bus where, with the help of chaperones, Chieka moved Brynn to the shoulder of the highway, where emergency personnel eventually retrieved her and transported her to a nearby hospital. Brynn suffered multiple pelvic fractures, rib fractures, a broken clavicle, a lacerated bladder, small burns to each side of her face, a second-degree burn on her left upper arm, and a concussion. She remained in the hospital for 43 days and underwent four surgeries; she recovered. Three other students on the bus died. Chieka inhaled smoke and suffered a small burn to his right forearm. He received medical treatment at a nearby hospital and recovered.

2024-0000047-10543