BRADENTON, Fla. — A couple who narrowly avoided death during a fiery crash on I-75 earlier this week met the man who help save their lives on Friday.

Frank and Tina Herold were driving along I-75 south returning from a conference Tuesday afternoon when a tractor trailer in the northbound lanes collided with another vehicle, causing the semi to go off the overpass.

The Herolds' car was struck with debris flying from the tractor trailer. They suffered major injuries to their heads, faces and bodies. 

"I remember the truck careening into the guardrail and then that was the last thing I remember," said Frank Herold.  "When that truck went over the side and all of a sudden burst into flames, that was real."

Michael Blankley, a window installer who was returning from a job with his partner Derrick, was driving behind the Herolds. 

"I saw the truck about 100 yards in front of me, and then I heard the explosion and told my guy Derrick, I said, 'get down' and he said 'what?' and then all of a sudden, you saw the truck go up in the air and then down," said Blankley. "We just pulled over and he said, 'what are you doing?' and I said 'we got to go help.'"

Blankley helped lead the Herolds out of their vehicle and toward first responders, who were just arriving on scene. Frank was transported by ground to a local hospital while Tina was airlifted. 

"I'm alive and I'm so grateful to be alive and I'm so grateful for his help and his calming demeanor," said Tina Herold. 

Blankley visited the couple at their Brandenton home to return their lost luggage left on the side of the the road after the accident.  The Herolds plan to have Blankley over for dinner after they make a full recovery.