Man and cat’s misadventure: Running out of gas leads to ditch dilemma in St. George

ST. GEORGE — In an unforeseen turn of events on Sunday, a man found himself facing unexpected challenges alongside his feline companion after their vehicle ran out of gas.

A tow company rescues a vehicle from a ditch off the roadway, St. George, Utah, Feb. 25, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

The incident unfolded around 12:30 p.m. near the Sun River Parkway, close to Terrible Herbst gas station, as confirmed by Officer Zachary Muckenthaler from the St. George Police Department.

According to Muckenthaler’s account, the man exited the vehicle and embarked on the task of pushing it toward the nearest gas station while his cat remained inside the vehicle. However, the seemingly straightforward endeavor quickly took a drastic turn as the man attempted to navigate both the pushing and steering simultaneously, leading to an unfortunate mishap.

“He was trying to push and steer at the same time,” Officer Muckenthaler explained. “Hopped the curb and went down into the ditch.”

Upon assessment of the scene, it was apparent that the man had inadvertently run over his own leg amidst the chaotic sequence of events. As a result, emergency services were summoned, and the driver was promptly transported to the hospital for medical attention.

Meanwhile, the St. George Police Department, in collaboration with a local tow company, initiated efforts to extricate the vehicle from the ditch. The Ford Explorer appeared to have minor damage.

This report is based on statements from police and may not contain the full scope of findings.

Photo Gallery

Skidmarks show the path of a vehicle after its driver attempts to push it to the nearest gas station, St. George, Utah, Feb. 25, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

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