Survivor of bridge collapse talks to KESQ’s Karen Devine

One of two men who survived the I-10 bridge collapse west of Desert Center is recovering from his injuries at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

Bryon Castor is in intensive care in critical condition but granted KESQ Anchor Karen Devine a bedside interview the day after the harrowing ordeal. Castor endured 3 1/2 hours of fear and pain wondering if he’d make it out of the rushing wash alive.

Bryon Castor is thanking God that he is alive after surviving the bridge collapse. From his hospital bed surrounded by family he looked at pictures and video that have been posted on multiple websites about his ordeal. He says it’s surreal as he explains how he was stuck in his truck and afraid of the fast moving water and cement chunks that were coming off the fallen bridge.

Castor says he’s not sure if the bridge had already collapsed when he and his friend drove upon it. All he remembers is a dark patch out in front of him, maybe fresh tar. He vividly recalls the truck suddenly falling into the rushing wash below. Once Castor determined he could feel his hands and feet, he realized the steering wheel was wedged into his lower belly and he was stuck.

His friend was okay enough to get out of the truck and go for help. Castor says he immediately realized pieces of the bridge were falling into the water and that if a chunk big enough fell on his truck it could crush him. He says he started to pray.

Survival skills kicked in and Castor moved his head and shoulders out of the driver’s side window, balancing himself. He was hit in the head twice by cement chunks, but he was able to stay alert.

Rescue personnel had to secure the truck so it wouldn’t get pushed by rushing water down the wash. They were able to get to Castor and put a hard hat on him for protection. After a larger piece of the bridge crashed into the water, they cut off the top of the truck, then pulled Castor out, placing him on a ladder and taking him to safety.

Due to the storm, a helicopter couldn’t land to transport him to the hospital. Castor was taken by ambulance and raced to Desert Regional Medical Center.

Castor is now recovering from two broken ribs, a lacerated liver, a shattered knee, cuts and bruises on his head, face and hands.

Road crews continue to make progress as they work around the clock to repair the major artery which thousands of people use to drive from Southern California to Arizona every day.