Canadian Truck Driver Honoured After Helping Save Woman from Burning SUV

A Mississauga truck driver who helped save a woman’s life during a fiery winter highway collision has received the 2026 OTA–Bridgestone Truck Hero Award.

Isik Altinisik was honoured at the Ontario Trucking Association’s annual awards dinner in Toronto on November 11, where he reunited with Theresa Rozendaal, the woman he helped bring to safety.

An emergency during a delivery

In January 2026, Altinisik was transporting fresh food products to Ottawa when he encountered a multi-vehicle collision near Trenton, Ontario, during a severe winter snowstorm.

Rozendaal’s SUV became caught in the wreckage, with flames emerging from beneath the hood.

According to Truck News, she escaped through a window but subsequently lost consciousness. Altinisik broke a rear window while checking for anyone remaining inside, injuring his hands in the process.

He then helped move Rozendaal away from the burning vehicle to safety.

Hours spent helping stranded motorists

His response continued well beyond that initial rescue.

For approximately five hours, Altinisik helped people at the scene, assisted stranded motorists and offered comfort amid the snow, smoke and damaged vehicles.

The award recognizes the courage and concern for others he demonstrated during an exceptionally dangerous situation.

Altinisik works as an operations manager at Temco International, a Mississauga food distributor, and also drives trucks when needed.

A lasting connection

The experience created a close bond between Altinisik and Rozendaal, who now regard one another as family.

Their reunion at the awards ceremony brought a personal dimension to the recognition, connecting the driver’s actions with the life he helped protect.

The OTA–Bridgestone Truck Hero Award celebrates exceptional courage, courtesy and selflessness on the road. Altinisik’s response offers a powerful example of a trucking professional stepping forward when others urgently needed help.

Source: Ontario Trucking Association, November 12, 2026; Truck News, James Menzies, November 13, 2026.

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