A box truck driver found themselves precariously hanging above the San Joaquin River after a crash along Interstate 5 early Friday morning.

"This easily could have been a far worse circumstance, given the time of day and how many people tend to be in this area ... truck on its side with a pole lodged in between the cab and the box ...

A box truck crashed in ... at about 12:48 p.m. EST in the area of Kneeland Street and Harrison Avenue. Upon arrival, officers observed a "box truck turned over on its side as well as multiple ...

AND THAT LIKELY MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE THANKS TO ONE NURSE WHO RACED OVER TO HELP ... by ambulance to area hospitals. Authorities said the truck driver was pinned inside the cab and had to be ...