By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
David Gibbs and Jeremy Rackard believe in miracles.
Gibbs is the owner of David’s Paint and Body Shop in Atmore and Rackard is a relative and an employee of A-1 Landscaping. Both men’s lives were spared as they worked what began as a minor incident on I-65 last Friday.
Rackard said he was just helping out on a call with Gibbs on his way home.
Gibbs related the story of how the incident unfolded.
Gibbs said the Mustang hooked to his equipment was being handled by his cousin, Rackard, when a van slammed into the rear of a police car monitoring the scene.
Rackard said he was unconscious for a short time after the cars rolled over him. “I must have been out for a little while,” Rackard said. “I know when I woke up, I was facing in the other direction and my shirt was soaked in gasoline.”
Rackard could only point to one thing that saved him.
The result of the accident sent Rackard to Atmore Community Hospital for what could be deemed minor injuries, Gibbs said.
Gibbs said a couple came to his business location after the accident to inquire if everyone was all right.
Rackard said he knows how badly things could have turned out.
Gibbs agreed. “We are blessed to be alive,” he said. “It was a miracle.”