Heroic Trucker Saves Man from Suicide on Busy Motorway Bridge

On the evening of September 6, 2025, lorry driver Dan Shillito was traveling southbound on the M1 motorway towards Derby when he noticed information boards indicating an "incident" ahead. As he approached the Palterton Lane bridge in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Shillito spotted a man's leg dangling over the edge, attempting to take his own life.

Without hesitation, the 34-year-old father of two called out to a nearby police officer and asked if he could position his truck under the bridge to help save the man. The officer quickly cleared the way, and Shillito climbed onto the roof of his vehicle to reach the man and hold his legs until emergency services could intervene.

Footage of the dramatic rescue has since gone viral on social media, with thousands praising Shillito as an "angel" and "total hero" for his quick thinking and courageous actions. The man was safely retrieved and taken to the hospital for evaluation, and is now reported to be recovering from the ordeal.

Shillito, who has been driving lorries for eight years, has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, saying he "just did what anyone else would do" in the moment to save a life. His heroic intervention came just days before World Suicide Prevention Day, underscoring the importance of being alert and willing to step in during such critical situations.