A truck driver's quick actions likely saved a Southwest Miami-Dade gas station from going up in smoke after he drove his flaming 18-wheeler away from the pumps early Thursday morning, authorities said. The driver, identified only as Ruben, was at the Exxon station refueling when he noticed the truck's cab ablaze, according to WSVN. Surveillance footage shows the driver leaped into action, steering the semi clear of the station located at Krome Avenue and Southwest 200th Street and sparing bystanders from what could have been a catastrophic explosion.

The fiery scene unfolded around 3 a.m. with the blaze tearing through the truck, Ruben recounting the ordeal said "The fire came really fast, in less than 30 seconds, the entire truck was completely on fire", he heroically maneuvered the heavy vehicle away from the gas pumps, effectively preventing greater danger. Video captured by local news NBC Miami corroborated Ruben’s firsthand account, depicting the truck engulfed in flames as Miami-Dade Fire Rescue converged on the scene to extinguish the fire.

Ruben, who sustained minor burns, declined hospital treatment and was later seen assisting in the siphoning of diesel from the decimated 18-wheeler into barrels for transport. While he suffered no serious injuries, the semi-truck was rendered a complete loss, its structure was reduced to smoldering wreckage, water dripping from its charred frame caught on camera by WSVN hours after the initial incident.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's swift response ensured the blaze was contained, with a firefighter recounting, "Upon arrival, we did find a fully engulfed tractor-trailer fire," he said. "The driver had already escaped the cab," the investigation now falls to Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue departments to determine the cause of the blaze. While the cause remains unknown for now, the community feeling a sense of relief as Ruben reflected on his brave act, "We’re safe because the gas station is safe," he told WSVN.