Jesus took the wheel: Huge pipe crushes van on SR 528; driver named Jesus survives

It was something out of a scene from "Final Destination" this morning in Orlando. 

A truck exiting State Road 528 on its way to westbound I-4 lost control, struck a guardrail and overturned.

The plot twist? The truck was carrying a huge piece of scrap metal that flew off, plunged over the side of the exit ramp and landed on a van traveling below — perhaps a driver's worst nightmare. 

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The large pipe fell directly on top of a 2003 Pontiac van, crushing the roof and practically flattening the vehicle on the driver's side. Photos of the crash show what appears to be a large construction pipe resting directly on top of the driver's seat, through the windshield and extending into the back of the vehicle. 

And just like the surprise ending of a movie, Jesus took the wheel — literally. The driver, Jesus Armando Escobar of Orlando, survived the crash with only minor injuries. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Florida Highway Patrol troopers described the scene as "amazing." 

The driver of the semi, Antonio Santiago Wharton, sustained only minor injuries as well, but was ticketed for careless driving. 

The ramp onto westbound I-4 from State Road 528 will remain closed for the next several hours as crews work to clean up the crash, removing scrap metal from the highway. Avoid the area if possible, FHP advises. 

Contact Reporter Jessica Saggio at 321-242-3664, JSaggio@FloridaToday.com or follow @JessicaJSaggio on Twitter.