:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Amanda-Raymond-Cota-witnesses-051826-208f13eeb4c8417ca93228f163647d71.jpg)
"He just started veering towards us, and I saw him grab the wheel," said Amanda Cota
NEED TO KNOW
- A couple says they narrowly avoided a deadly crash involving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 10 in Tucson, Ariz., on May 13
- Amanda and Raymond Cota said they were right beside the semi when its tire popped, causing the driver to swerve toward them before he pulled the truck away
- The Cotas are now thanking the late driver for his actions, and extending condolences to his family
Two parents are thankful to be alive after they were nearly involved in a deadly crash on an Arizona highway.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the crash occurred on Interstate 10 in Tucson just after 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday, May 13, according to NBC affiliate KVOA and the Arizona Daily Star.
Authorities said a tractor-trailer car hauler blew a tire while traveling eastbound on I-10 near Valencia Road, causing the truck to hit a guardrail, roll into the median and burst into flames, CBS affiliate KOLD reported.
Amanda Cota said she and her partner Raymond were right by the semi's tire when it popped.
“And then he just started veering towards us, and I saw him grab the wheel to correct the blowout,” Amanda told KOLD.
The couple then watched as the semi — which officials said was carrying 10 cars, including multiple electric vehicles — caught fire, according to KOLD.
The driver of the semi was pronounced dead at the scene, the outlets reported. He was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Amanda and Raymond, who share three kids together, told KOLD that they believe the crash may have ended differently had the driver not swerved away from them.
“I thank him,” Raymond said. “Because if it weren't for those maneuvers, I don't think we would be here talking to you right now.”
Amanda added, “My prayers go out to this family at this time of grieving.”
The eastbound lanes of I-10 were closed until the morning of Thursday, May 14, according to KOLD.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.