Part of church collapses on box truck, trapping driver

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Part of a church roof collapsed Friday after a box truck drove into it in north Harris County, according to authorities.

The roof at the Resurrection Lutheran Church, near the intersection of Holzwarth Road and Meadow Edge Lane, fell on top of the truck's cab, trapping the driver, officials said.

Officials said the man who was driving the landscaping box truck tried to drive under a part of the building, but the truck was not able to fit. The truck struck the building, causing it to collapse.

Nearby hardware stores provided forklifts to lift the roof and get the driver out of the cab, according to authorities.

The man was taken to a nearby hospital with a broken arm and other minor injuries.

"If he is OK, it’s gonna be one of the best feelings in my life," Darius Johnsen said.

Johnsen is an assistant store manager at a nearby Home Depot.

"I was up in here by the registers ... went to Mr. Ritz with the Spring Police Department (he) told me he needed a forklift, immediately, and didn’t have time to explain," Johnsen said.

Johnsen said he had a police escort down the road to the church along with two other employees with forklifts from a nearby Lowe’s.

"Looking at what the structure was made out of ... and the size of it ... I was almost positive I would be able to pick it up at least to the point to where we can slide the guy out," Johnsen said.

Johnsen said all three forklifts worked together to help fire crews rescue the trapped victim.

"We pull the forklifts around with two of us on one side and the other one on the other and we actually lift it up at the same time," Johnson said.

The victim was quickly pulled from the truck.

The good Samaritans who assisted in the rescue said they are grateful they were able to help.

"It feels really good. Makes me feel really good about myself that I was able to be in the right place at the right time and help," Johnsen said.