Big rig crashes and is left dangling off freeway bridge in Los Angeles!

Talk about a close call! Early morning on 12/4/2019, a tractor trailer headed North on the 710 freeway jacknifed and almost went over the bridge that transitions to the 60 freeways. The landing gear on the trailer seems to have saved the whole thing from going over and falling on the traffic down below!
Dave in Big Flipper (75ton rotator) and Joe in unit 33 (50ton wrecker) were the first to respond, followed by myself in Hulk (50ton rotator). By the time I arrived, Joe had unit 33 anchored to the rear of the trailer to prevent it from moving forward so the rotators can work safely. Before Dave rigged the tractor, we secured the front of the trailer with a spreader bar attached to Hulk's main winch line. This was necessary as we did not know if there was 5th wheel damage and if it came undone or was broken.
Once the rotators were rigged, we started to lift and swing both the tractor and trailer over the k-rail and back onto the freeway. From there, Big Flipper winched the tractor to straighten it out so Joe can tow the unit back to our base.
If you liked the video, follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see our daily recoveries and more pictures of The Hulk and Big Flipper where I post content regularly.
Instagram: @pepestowing
Facebook: / pepestowingla

[@MrDaveyd71]

OMG guys! The number of angles and camera views you utilise during your recoveries is astounding! I don’t think people realise the physics involved in a proper and safe recovery. This video footage really opens a viewers eyes as to what is involved and, more importantly, WHY these can sometimes take hours to accomplish. Great job guys and stay safe! :-)

[@CrustyRustysRestoration]

Right? It’s crazy! I did two cameras in one of my vids and barely got any work done 😂 camerawork and angles take a bunch of time. Love watching these guys work! Standing on that truck frame and rigging was sketchy!

[@user-gi3jw3ts7j]

I agree with your comment but one problem, the camera man moves the camera around to much that I get dizzy. Good work and keep it up.

[@PepesTowingService]

You're watching a super old video. I've since gotten rid of the gopro helmet cam to fix that. I use a handheld dji pocket 3 now

[@user-gi3jw3ts7j]

@@PepesTowingService ok, then I appoligise. I am so interested how and what you doing. It is very interested for me and injoy looking at your videos. I appoligise again. South Africa. 👍🙏😀😀

[@PepesTowingService]

No problem! Try checking out any of my videos from this year to compare

[@laurieclews2983]

I have been involved in heavy transport in New Zealand for 48 years.That was one of the slickest recoveries that i have ever seen, very very professionally done

[@PepesTowingService]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed brotha!

[@silentepsilon888]

climbing on the rig while it is dangling over the edge sure was one heck of a gutsy thing to do. But like you said, "it's gotta get done" - and you got it done. I missed the live news coverage, but I am pretty sure your drone footage was a hundred times better than anything those professional news crews got for their live reports. You placed it just perfectly!

[@PepesTowingService]

Thanks! They actually had this one cool shot but you're right, my drone was up close and personal. Still looked cool seeing all the trucks all over the news

[@miggyloks]

Your videos are never boring. No drama. Straight to the point. Keep up the good work sir 👍

[@PepesTowingService]

That's what I love to hear, thanks bud!

[@jeremiehernandez2563]

You guys have a bad ass recovery team!

[@PepesTowingService]

Thank you!

[@crash-heavytowtruckoperato7430]

Good teamwork guys, love the drone shots as well. As for rigging the tractor over the bridge that high off the ground...... absolutely insane. Cheers from Toronto, Canada

[@PepesTowingService]

Thank you! Definitely was a bit nervous doing that but it came out really well.

[@sgbbco3981]

Only one main HUGE issue with Pepe's Towing Service....They are not everywhere lol. I wish we had a Pepe's Towing in every city. Amazing documentation of your work. Great rigging skills. It's amazing how one can spend an hour or more watching a recovery. I have never worked any type of towing rig but always been fascinated by them. Especially these heavy duty setups. Thanks for sharing with us all and thanks for being a professional!

[@BigDaddy2513]

Great job by the whole team. Great communication between all of you. Makes for safe conditions.

[@PepesTowingService]

Thank you!

[@joev4538]

Amazing video! Incredible equipment!! Working as team, incredible skills!! Would love to be associated with this type of rescue. Great stuff Pepe!!

[@jamoystaple9845]

Bro you were so brave...even while standing on the tractor head...you got the job done....awesome work man and good video

[@NSWNY]

Great job! This is one profession I wish I would've gone for when I was younger.

[@philipmichel215]

She said Oooh Hulk, such a tight fit! Fact is stranger than fiction, seen scenes in movies that show events like this, but did not believe it possible. Great job Pepes!

[@PepesTowingService]

If you follow my Instagram, you'll see we do some calls that look straight from a Michael Bay action movie haha

[@TruthTime-bs9ni]

You guys are just incredible. I mean, the mental gymnastics involved in placing the chains is beyond any Physics PhD or Engineer. Great job. EXCELLENT 👍👍👍👍

[@reggiejenkins7707]

As a New Heavy Tow Operator,I learned a lot from this Video..........Great job!!!

[@MrAlsbrooks]

A friend of mine has a towing company and I've assisted recoveries numerous times. So Towing has always peaked a interest in me. You sir are awesome, especially with that blue boss 302 on Mulholland drive. Insane drone footage too! You have a new subscriber keep kicking butt

[@louishernandez8040]

Seeing king taco in the background made the video 10x better. That 710 to the 60 has always been in pain. Great video.

[@PepesTowingService]

King Taco ain't what it used to be but still hits the spot sometimes

[@robtinney6778]

Your shop was the closest location, but you and the hulk were the last to arrive. Hulk may be tough like bull, but not fast like street car. Absolute great work. Enjoyed the professionalism performance.

[@TruthTime-bs9ni]

Dude, the retrieval of the Boss 302 Mustang over the Cliff was EPIC. THE HULK IS A BEAST

[@TRADERnel]

Love the control panel on the side of the truck all lit up with the switches it was like the space shuttle great job guys balls of steel going out over the edge

[@ericm8811]

Hey Pepe's towing service! Freaking wow! The towing operators on the British Columbia highways have the dangerous cliffs but those freeway overpass drops are just as gnarly! Freaking awesome over the edge rigging work man! Great drone footage! Thanks a ton for sharing the vid! Ride ride ride!

[@PepesTowingService]

Thanks! I'm sure the concept is the same, you have to be pin point accurate that everything is rigged correctly to perform anything over an edge. Thanks for watching!

[@beasena3534]

Thx for posting these videos, my husband and I had a great time watching we found it fascinating.

[@CanVet2022]

Insane job guy. Love the "wind threw it back at me" . Good team work.

[@bgmckddy]

GREAT video Josh!!!! Job VERY well done!! I really enjoy watching how well you and Dave work together. Hulk and Big Flipper make a pretty good team as well!

[@PepesTowingService]

Thanks! Teamwork definitely makes the dream work

[@wideslammer]

WOW!! Another very impressive recovery. The teamwork is exceptional. It's nice to hear the communication so we know what you fellows are planning to do and then how you execute the plan. The drone footage is a nice bonus. You provide REAL reality television. Keep up the good work.

[@PepesTowingService]

Love comments like this, thank you for the appreciation Ron.

[@mikeapmechanic4423]

I used to drive semi's, I could not imagine ending up like that. I bet that driver s##t his pants. Beautiful recovery. Love your videos.

[@adarshhk]

A nicely done critical tandem tow- in with a dare-devil stunt... Cool bro

[@sd90mac61]

That was a splendid piece of work you all did 👍

[@stevenruiz4802]

You are the man with the plan 👏🏼 hulk truck is a beauty ❤️

[@PepesTowingService]

And I get....... Done lol

[@LordRustyMcAlpin]

I'm glad you folks had a drone. To help in this rescue.

[@davidknows3320]

Standing out on that frame rail earned your like button, the rest is gravy! Good job Man.

[@PepesTowingService]

Hope it earned a sub too!

[@ukaszkielar4872]

Nice job 😀 Hulk truck is beautiful. Awesome paint job 👍 Greetings from Poland 😀

[@PepesTowingService]

Awesome, hello to you from Los Angeles!

[@brianhourihan5613]

The most amazing part was the bridge. How it was able to support the weight of all those trucks AND your balls is a testament to the bridge designers.

[@renevandijk4914]

Thank you all the best People for the help you show and the team work

[@raymondwood1453]

PEEPS got it going on nice work getting that big rig back from the overhang .You have the trucks plus the skill to GET ER DONE

[@Nightcrawler666]

Cool video. I used to do that job here in the UK. Sadley not with Equipment like you guys have. You are a credit to the industry. You & the guys do an outstanding job. I still do recovery, but not on that scale. Love your channel.

[@waynewebinger8739]

The best part of this video, he said, “when we get back to do the CHARGES”.....I bet the charges won’t be an affordable AAA tow bill.

[@PepesTowingService]

Slightly more lol

[@stayloaded1055]

More like gentle here it is 😆

[@williamshird4253]

heck NO.

[@kmby1531]

Curious as to what the total bill was on a recovery like that

[@RyanPhoenixAZ]

@@kmby1531 My guess, $10k

[@billmilosz]

Wow, just wow! 1. Good that no one was hurt in the crash or the recovery work. 2. MAD SKILL! 3. Balls of brass. 4. That gear - those rigs- fabulous cool! 5. Excellent camerawork, editing. 6. The drone! Don't EVEN! (but I bet that in addition to cool KZbin video, that drone can be really handy to see the situation. And the video - excellent for an audit of the job and for training, as well as sharing on KZbin. ) Pepe's Towing is solidly in the 21st-fricking-century!

[@PepesTowingService]

Super glad you enjoyed it this much. The stuff we do isn't easy and I'm glad people appreciate the effort we put into this and the way we spec our trucks

[@princephan]

Ok, best recovery video I've ever seen. Nail-biting spine tingling cliffhanger for sure. Great footage, beautiful trucks, excellent teamwork, 👍👍

[@PepesTowingService]

That's what I love to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@carolfrazer8067]

Go watch Ron Pratt. He is the best I've ever seen with a Rotator.

[@tvlu4365]

@@carolfrazer8067 I follow Ron Pratt he is great very safe and professional

[@tvlu4365]

@@yyiii276 these young kids are fricken idiots,

[@davidpontnak3819]

Wow talk about being in the action I didn't want to look down either! Great job!

[@carlosdangersbromattmayhem6744]

From the perspective of a woman ,I must confess you really got my attention! Great work. Your dedication,perfection and your know how coupled with the finest equipped and awesome looking rigs are a package that has no equal!

[@bunnyur9580]

I am so proud of you Joshua. You may be far away from me but your always in my heart and thoughts! Your Aunti FH! Lots of hugs.

[@PepesTowingService]

Wow thank you for watching Faby! Miss you!

[@JohnJohnson-qg2ub]

@@PepesTowingService that was really sweet your aunt watches u bro... God bless stay safe.

[@dgretlein]

Very cool and well done. What I appreciate is you go nice and slow (safe) and constantly communicate to everyone what you are doing and about to do.

[@kevinbeverlysr]

Man just blows my mind how much work goes into these saves such skill an totally in love with these rotators can watch for hours be safe guys

[@stirlingmotors]

Great job Pepe;s towing service love your trucks,

[@Chaplain_GM]

loved the impromptu safety line when you went out on the frame at first i did not see it but man way to stay safe and get the job done josh

[@waynedavis3956]

Man.............you've got balls of TITANIUM, an amazing job.I hope Hulk and you guys got on the news that night. Well done.

[@ronniejones8508]

New to your site. It was great to see how you guys took pride in working together, and to get the job done. Great video bro.

[@razormodz1173]

One of the best videos I've watched all week. What a great job you guys done! :)

[@PepesTowingService]

So glad you liked it!

[@tomatoes3]

Great recovery and team work guys. Congratulations.

[@scottkempton6085]

Now THIS is reality TV! Pretty incredible how the two tow truck drivers were able to coordinate their efforts.

[@jeffkuipers1030]

and that is why you are the best in the tow business.

[@Kamila_Alaiah]

I gotta admit. That when you stepped out on the back of the rig. That scared the shit out of me. I don't like heights as it is. But damn that was a uneasy one to watch. You get huge props for the work you guys did on this one. Keep up the awesome work

[@PepesTowingService]

The funny part is I'm pretty afraid of heights myself, it definitely made me nervous but adrenaline kicked in and took over.

[@macktingstorm1691]

Awesome job, you guys are making it look so easy.🤔

[@RigobertoOchoaOchoa]

Man I can watch your videos all night y'all do a good job

[@alexisalyssasewell3023]

That was pretty hairy being up that high out on a limb. I fell 40' off of a ladder and landed on my head on a concrete floor! I have PTSD of any height!! Good luck be safe! Thanks for the awesome video.

[@sandie062985]

Great job by all show good team work and safe in mind.

[@pepperdog3761]

Intense!!!! Great job and excellent footage.Hulk looks bad-ass!!!!!

[@judil3294]

Duct tape and reach stick to the rescue. Wow, what a job. The driver and those below were certainly blessed that it wasn't far worse. You have so many extra factors to look out for in your heavily populated area.

[@JohnJohnson-qg2ub]

Hey I work for greatdane, please don't hurt that trailer! Great clean up guys... Bless u all u made it happen and every body walked away safe.👍

[@dennisconnolly1]

This was an absolute wicked save, you are crazy Josh ..

[@suziboggus5206]

I am totally fascinated watching this! You guys are fantastic!!!

[@the.porter.productions]

Those 53’ trailers are a Bear! Good job! 🤩

[@markevans3027]

I seen you guys on the world news working the crash and im in Michigan. Good job..

[@PepesTowingService]

Add that to the list! So far I've heard it was seen in about 6 different states, that is awesome.

[@biketom5]

Outstanding work you and your team do!

[@billmckelvey602]

Great job and a great crew thanks for sharing

[@rockymartin2179]

hulk is like an extension of your hand. you guys are such a great team. thats a dangerous pick. congrats

[@PepesTowingService]

Great way to put it, and that logic should apply to every true rotator operator. You have to know your truck, it's capabilities and limits and know when to push it

[@denisevestal7881]

❤someone was looking out for that truck driver and my prayers to all and u guys that r working the tow trucks u do a amazing job and ur very polite to everyone that u meet my prayers to you guts to and I love watching you guys when I can't sleep, I had back surgery and I'm retired now love it

[@cdocker3070]

Saw this on CNN when it happen you guys are famous world wide now if not before👍👍👍👍

[@PepesTowingService]

They had some incredible footage, made our trucks shine

[@barbaraasandoval2551]

“How scared was the driver “ 😂😂😂 Always enjoyable to see your work 👍

[@isettech]

In areas with little rain, the drivers are facing two things in regards to changing driving conditions. Inexperience on wet surfaces and the accumulation of oil on the road surfaces. First heavy rain after a long dry season catches way too many drivers unaware as they continue driving as if the roads are dry with great traction.

[@raymond289]

Inexperience non White USA or Canadian Drivers. happen more and more every year

[@joek6381]

Hells Highway doesn't have scrap compared to you guys and your equipment. Respect and great job by all of you. Done textbook professionals. Used to do that kind of work before hydraulic lifts and rotators. LoL I wish I had all that. No less demanding though both physically and mentally. Pepe's Towing Guys got it going on.

[@PepesTowingService]

Hell ya that's what I love to hear, thanks brotha

[@MariaHernandez-wr4lz]

Wow! Most challenging job so far? You have a great team and I’m glad you guys watch out for each other. Warning next time please! I’m afraid of heights!. 👏👏

[@PepesTowingService]

I wouldn't say most challenging, but definitely the most risky one by far. Lots of teamwork on this to get it just right

[@simonjones7785]

insane position great job both rigs saved the day

[@top111quebec9]

Very nice recovery , those rotator's are beautifull !

[@gerryhobby9026]

HELLO A ND I AM IN HAMPTON,GA WATCHING YOU GUYS I HAVE TO TELL YOU . THAT YOU HAVE THE VERY BEST TRUCK,S IN THE FLEET THAT I HAVE SEEN. AND BIG FLIPPER SHE IS A WORK HORSE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MEN AND I WILL KEEP WATCHING. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU 2019

[@PepesTowingService]

Happy new year to you, I'm glad you like the trucks and hope you watch all my future videos!

[@shawnsr8459]

Great video..nice job! And as always your trucks are looking top notch!!

[@Mr.XYZ6775]

Another fantabulous job. You guys rock. This officially my favorite channel of all of youtube.

[@aj-kwt909truckin31]

Watching with much interest from Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand. Great job guys, please keep yourselves safe and Merry Christmas from down under. PS : Single axle on loaded 53' on wet road 🚫 ~ lucky truck driver.

[@PepesTowingService]

I love how many fans from all parts of the world enjoy my video, technology really is amazing. I agree, poor guy was doomed the moment he left his shop

[@aj-kwt909truckin31]

@@PepesTowingService ~ Thankyou so much for sharing this video and replying to my comment, once again wishing everyone of you at Pepe's Towing Service a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe/Prosperous New Year. Kind Regards, Alistair Bentley. Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand. (Subscribed) PS : Technology really is amazing alright and even getting better everyday !!!

[@billshaw2708]

Awesome job on a very steep and wet hill. I know you did some editing but even so, the effort and the planning was fantastic. Way to Go!!

[@victorsabanero4967]

Me gusta mucho el trabajo que hacen,y los videos,es una muestra de ello.

[@thisdj83]

Good thing there was someone with a plan instructing everyone. You can tell who is lost and who has a good grasp of the situation.

[@kk.555]

Short straw on the cab chain hook up, You carry those ball in a bucket my friend. Go Hulk!!!!

[@PepesTowingService]

I volunteered since I'm the smallest of the three haha

[@LordRustyMcAlpin]

You damn well earned your paycheck on this one.

[@SievertSchreiber]

The drone footage in this one is just superb!

[@ncredbird3998]

Y'all never fail to amaze me at the situations y'all get rigs and cars out of. You sure don't get the appreciation for the danger and work y'all do. Stay safe out there I swear my ass cheeks were around my shoulders watching this😂😂😂y'all rock.. That's all I can say.

[@glammaof3871]

Wowww...that was an amazing recovery...you guys are awesome and gained a new sub!😄 Stay safe and have a great day!😊

[@PepesTowingService]

Thank you subbing!

[@fh8pu]

Amazing video, especially drone footage. Great work.

[@PepesTowingService]

Drone came in handy on this one, thanks!

[@ronniejones8508]

You can't learned jobs like that by reading a text book. You guys did an excellent job recovering the rig! Great job fellas.

[@kevinmcleod7580]

Very nice professional ! Safety all the way . Good job guys . Totally respected ! Tough job you got .

[@angelmendez9258]

Congratulations on 1000,000 you tube Josh again congrats

[@duurnamets9678]

I really like your work,but please stay safe. Thank You for all these amazing video's about your work

[@Terry49]

Josh and Dave = Dream Team

[@kelleyunofficial3269]

I just saw in an earlier post that you (me too) have a thing about heights. Amazing you could do the work on this. Fantastic.

[@spencerbass7142]

Excellent. What show of equipment!

[@thehumbleonez4030]

Dam bro you brave!! God bless you for what you do. Not many people could.

[@adrianapristach3256]

What a incredible job! Awesome skills!

[@garywatford9801]

Greetings Pepe's Josh and Davie, We see you here Brooklyn, New York City. NYC is the media capital, Big Flipper and Hulk, Mighty Whitey is already famous in New York City. It's very well understood that we all must eat. Big Boy equipment is NOT cheap, their is a cost for operating any professional business. These Rotators are very expensive, please don't forget cost of buying tools routine maintenance cost, insurance, fuel local and government taxes much more expense. Great Job here, Bless To Know Nobody Got Hurt, Everyone Please Stay Safe Don't Forget To Drive Clean.

[@rdiaz793]

Mad respect for you guys. Badass job. Towing 💪🏽👊🏼😎

[@PepesTowingService]

Thanks!

[@xanteangelo7960]

This is the first video i saw of you guys!! Awesome job !! I am a new sub

[@vincebowling1778]

Very dangerous recovery...great job guys!!!