A recent vehicle accident near Brice Civil Constructors’ SH-99 jobsite in Houston, Texas, gave several team members only seconds to act–and they did not hesitate.
After noticing a pickup truck positioned on top of a concrete barrier, Osmiel Zepeda saw heavy smoke coming from the engine area. The vehicle appeared to still be trying to start, creating a serious fire risk.
Osmiel and Antonio Garcia immediately grabbed fire extinguishers and began working to suppress the smoke coming from the engine bay. Their quick response helped reduce the chance of the situation turning into a vehicle fire.
As the team worked to control the hazard, Osmiel checked to see whether the driver had made it out of the vehicle. When he climbed onto the barrier and looked inside, he found the driver still in the vehicle and unable to move.
With smoke continuing to build, the Brice Civil Constructors crew moved fast. The driver-side door had been pushed inward, making it difficult to reach the driver. Osmiel forced the door open while other team members held it in position. Together, they helped free the driver and safely move him away from the vehicle and barrier area. Osmiel provided basic first aid and Emergency Medical Services arrived soon after to take over care.
For Osmiel, Antonio, Mark Sierra, Joel Hidalgo, and Juan Medrano, the moment called for quick thinking, teamwork, and a willingness to step in when someone needed help.
Their response reflected the best of Brice Civil Constructors’ safety culture. They recognized the hazard, used the right equipment, communicated with each other, and acted with care under pressure.
This incident is a reminder that safety is more than a jobsite requirement. It is a mindset our teams carry into every part of the workday. Our crews are trained to stay aware of changing conditions, know where safety equipment is located, and act when seconds matter.
In this case, that preparation helped the team respond quickly and effectively to an emergency involving a member of the public.
We proudly recognize Osmiel, Antonio, Mark, Joel, and Juan for their professionalism, courage, decisive response, and willingness to step up in critical moments.
