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!

[@JurgensViljoen]

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

[@JurgensViljoen]

@@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

[@scottkempton6085]

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

[@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

[@LordRustyMcAlpin]

You damn well earned your paycheck on this one.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@richardlincoln8438]

Excellent work. What does a job like this cost the customer ? Thanks for sharing....

[@raymundopalma4627]

I was thinking the same....

[@armandorodroguez1182]

Man What A Mess. BIG Fleper & Hunk Worked Great Together On This One. Did The DRIVER Ck His Short's After This One. Did He Get Cut Off Or Just Lose Track Shun Great Job Guy's Be Careful And Watch Your 6. Marry Christmas .

[@PepesTowingService]

I hoped he checked them lol, not sure how it happened to be honest.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

Excellent job on this recovery off the bridge..!!!.. I hope your delivered all those hot pizzas...??

[@Rockit442]

The equipment alone on that Rig cost more than most normal tow trucks. That should be around a 15K to 20K job.

[@tedstowing728]

Great hire wire act Pepe's Crew !

[@redgeeknutson9253]

Wow is all i can say.great job.

[@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!

[@joev4538]

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

[@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.

[@jamoystaple9845]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@jedidiah5131]

What ...no screaming or yelling or running around like chickens with your heads cut of like that reality tv show....Great job boys...

[@PepesTowingService]

I don't watch those reality tow shows but I do respect what they do. But to be honest, as we all know a ton of it is exaggerated. Ya we have a hard job and see drazy wrecks, but most seasoned pros will show up, devise a game plan and execute it. The shows make it seem like every wreck is some impossible thing with so much drama

[@martychaney7110]

[e-mail]

[@ReflexXTows]

Bro i died laughin at the throw, then "ima edit it out tell em the wind threw it back at me" haha gold. Good work bro 😂

[@PepesTowingService]

Haha I'm glad I kept that in. Me being nervous combined with the weight of a 15' 1/2" grade 10 chain made for a weak throw lol

[@ReflexXTows]

@@PepesTowingService oh definitely those suckers are HEAVY. Thats what made me laugh so hard with the wind blowing the chain back 😂 goodwork man making it look easy.

[@dwaynechaulk7387]

What type of drone are you using, excellent video and a great job!!

[@randytravis3998]

@@PepesTowingService i know how you felt i am afraid of hights too

[@NSWNY]

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

[@BigDaddy2513]

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

[@PepesTowingService]

Thank you!

[@ShakespeareCafe]

AAA advisor asks the driver "Is you vehicle in a safe location?"

[@knowledgeispowermediaprodu7094]

Laughed my ass off on this comment! Almost lost my sip off coffee. Drivers like, "well, ummmmm....define safe please?" 😂😂😂

[@MrMopar413]

Hate to pay the towing bill on that job

[@PepesTowingService]

@god What BS fees would be included? If you owned a tow company, what do you think you'd charge for a job like this? What would you charge per hour on a rotator?

[@stevenruiz4802]

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

[@PepesTowingService]

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

[@adarshhk]

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

[@ukaszkielar4872]

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

[@PepesTowingService]

Awesome, hello to you from Los Angeles!

[@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

[@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

[@TheMooster845]

I’m a heavy operator in NY for about 25 years and have seen my fair share of wrecks. None of them are the same. Every job is different, every rigging is different. But it all leads to a successful recovery! I enjoy watching your videos and acting learn something new with just about everyone!!! Great job Pepe and his crews!!

[@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

[@juanjuarez7697]

191 hatters lol good job boys. That’s what happens when boss man gives you the right equipment to shine doing what you love. Homeboy with the heavy hat, let me know when it’s time for a new one. I got you

[@PepesTowingService]

Will do bro

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@reggiejenkins7707]

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

[@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,

[@90sBullsFan]

I'm sure that truck smelled like boo boo inside, for good reason

[@phillipmiller4139]

Of course, that driver though he had a fart, but it was really a shart

[@MrMopar413]

Your trucks aren’t cheap I know how much they cost. As a truck driver myself the number one rule in truck driving is “ don’t crash the truck the boss gets mad” but it seems to happen anyway

[@MrDougster37]

Yeah, I'm thinking somebody is losing their job and it ain't gonna be you. Nice job, sir! And that drone (23:22) was awesome! Nice aerial view! And if I ever need a pizza (1:21), I'm gonna call you guys to deliver for sure! And then you say you're the Uber driver? Man, you don't have four doors. Disqualified! Edit: Wait, on second thought, nevermind on the pizza delivery. It's going to cost too much.

[@PepesTowingService]

$750 pizza LOL

[@sd90mac61]

That was a splendid piece of work you all did 👍

[@talo90304]

Good shit!!!! Dope ass video!!!! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 more than 800k views and only a few thousand likes and less then 700 comments. Crazy!! This was a bad ass recovery!!

[@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.

[@dennisvaldez7762]

I want to take 6 yr old and let see The Hulk. I'm passing on the tradition with him on the love of large tow trucks, especially Rotators. Cant take him to Bakersfield and show to him the big boys from 10 West. I'll keep him local. Where is The Hulk based out of?

[@PepesTowingService]

Sunny Los Angeles

[@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

[@funkypaul2822]

You have towing companies , and than you have Pepe's ! This is Major League !!!!

[@PepesTowingService]

This is probably my favorite comment so far, thank you!

[@sandie062985]

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

[@davidpontnak3819]

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

[@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.

[@MikeT-TheRetiredColonel]

Good thing you aren't 300 lbs ;) Great job, great fleet :)

[@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

[@tech35641]

Man that's one awesome looking truck (The Hulk) right there. I like to know the total cost of a job like this.

[@PepesTowingService]

Hulk is my baby, thank you!

[@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.

[@1topfueldrag]

i’m sure Ron Pratt is a good guy but i can take listening to your vids easier

[@jamesstrong593]

I watch Ron's video's too, what do you mean that he is a good guy but you can take listening to these videos easier? Ron's country accent hard to take?

[@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 !!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@flybyairplane3528]

Hello, This my FIRST , of PEPE’S, SO WILL SAVE TO FILE, I guess the driver needa a REAL CHANGE OF UNDERWEAR ! If it went over looks like an easy 100 yards to the lower highway, wet, too fast OH SHIT ! Cheers From NJ🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@stevenmayhew3944]

The squealing from the truck being set back down sounds like a girl screaming in fear. :o

[@mattmason1986]

Yessssssssss

[@mattmason1986]

Fucking weirdo 😒

[@braydenmccartney8784]

You deserve another subscriber , me

[@GRVR_Productions]

I like the vid and keep up great work bud ,its a good looking turck u got

[@PepesTowingService]

Love driving it every day, thanks!

[@GRVR_Productions]

@@PepesTowingService it reminds me of a time i got to work with a tow copany and love ur vids i hope ur safe!

[@jimmock1155]

So what I wanna know is how the old-timers would have handled this…before they had cranes built on tow trucks. I’m thinking those are the guys that did amazing things.

[@ArikKees]

Brilliant performance! 🙌 Ron Pratt would have to try that, he would have made a science out of it. 😀

[@cecilmckinley9452]

Good job you put yourselves in a bad situation make sure you do it in the safest way so you get to go home at night, again good job

[@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.

[@serenebueno6597]

You guys need your own show like highway through hell because so cal traffic is a nightmare and I see y’all putting in work!!!

[@macktingstorm1691]

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

[@julz4u2]

Good humoured guys... that get the job done right 🚧🚖📢📣⛓🔩🚧

[@tupijm]

Es impresionante ver los tubos de la barrera, que NI se han dañado. Wow.

[@joeacosta5011]

Muchas gracias

[@grstrom1]

The first thing I thought of when I saw this live on TV was This Is A Job for Pepe's! And Boom! you guys show up!

[@ThePurplePunster]

"and Boom! You guys show up!" Is that a Rotator joke?

[@victorsabanero4967]

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

[@desertrat8322]

Been waiting to see this video after seeing this accident and your trucks on the Morning news

[@PepesTowingService]

The wait is over!

[@jdmforever5583]

Bet you the truck driver was shiting bricks!!😓

[@divlles]

victory packing for when you need someone to pack up your ex stuff and throw it off a bridge victory packing got your back we even help you drive it off a cliff

[@PepesTowingService]

LOL!

[@stirlingmotors]

Great job Pepe;s towing service love your trucks,

[@Tony-nq6hq]

This is cool and everything but I honestly want to see how the HECK that truck got like that. Thats a crash Im interested to see😂

[@19772001corey]

I bet the driver had to change his uber wear after this ride he was lucky to have jack knife the trailer or he would have gone down over

[@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

[@billwestphal1421]

Ok who else got cold feet when he looked down while standing on the frame??? Holly crap the hulk soiled his shorts. Hope the boss pays hazzard pay

[@PepesTowingService]

I am the little boss so no extra pay for me lol

[@KKhhoorrnniittee]

@@PepesTowingService Maybe your standard pay is a little bit bigger? (-;

[@the.porter.productions]

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

[@pepperdog3761]

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

[@beasena3534]

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

[@chrismanning3911]

That victory package company has a place in Massachusetts I deliver to

[@theodorelaridis7827]

I used to work for them, just sitting on the toilet and saw this video in my suggested 😂 immediately sent it to a couple of my buddies

[@mrfunnylookinhayes9088]

They have a lot of different names under their umbrella

[@terrycoutelle2631]

@@theodorelaridis7827 Vv

[@pcranebmw]

For sale one slightly used single axle tractor and trailer. Call Victory Packaging.

[@PepesTowingService]

I'll take it for $20 haha

[@deenunya7735]

Top Job Guys 👍Did you Sell the Drone Footage to any or all of the News Channels, Extra Bucks Always comes in Handy

[@PepesTowingService]

Nope, all of it goes onto my channel and IG.

[@joeyjamison5772]

You've got more nerve than I do. And you earned your money.

[@jimmysjamin1]

Awsome job Awsome content truly amazing but very dangerous ! Bravo keep on trucking brother and stay safe !

[@andrewkiwi1]

The poor driver must have been crapping himself. Nice calm recovery job.

[@PepesTowingService]

I know I would lol

[@marekvollach7831]

CAN YOU DO ANYTHING about the extremely DIZZYING to and fro of your camera angles...really difficult to see all your good work because there is wayyyyyyyy too much camera shake and movement

[@LordRustyMcAlpin]

Tough job. Well done. Coffee is on me. Warm up.

[@bighouse1283]

Great job TEAM PEPPE'S!!! I thought that only happened in the movies?😲😉 💪😎👍 〽️

[@PepesTowingService]

Right? Looked like a big budget Hollywood movie lol

[@CommodoreProductions01]

great video