Nothing cools the body and settles the nerves quite like ice cream on a hot afternoon. That is precisely the calming reward a crossing guard in Philadelphia selected after witnessing a major vehicle collision. The footage of a large utility truck crashing into an elementary school playground in early May is dramatic and somewhat difficult to view, yet the lively interview with the animated crossing guard proves far less distressing.

Jamele Ransom, the crossing guard who saw the crash unfold in Philadelphia's Kingsessing area, shared his account with NBC10 while holding an ice cream cone. He explained that he had been resting in a shady spot to escape the 82-degree heat when the nearby collision took place.

Camera footage from a local store captured the white utility truck speeding through an intersection and slamming into a grey Subaru. The force sent the Subaru spinning completely around, while the truck veered left into the school playground and came to rest on its passenger side.

Bobbing and weaving out of harm's way

Between bites of his treat, Ransom described pulling a child from one of the involved cars. He said he grabbed the frantic youngster who was stuck and freed him. He noted that another person remained trapped inside, prompting him to step away and compose himself as his heart raced.

Details remain unclear about exactly whom Ransom assisted on the playground. A Philadelphia School District spokesperson confirmed no children were present on the playground during the incident and no students suffered injuries. Reports indicate at least 10 children were nearby, yet no injuries occurred.

Authorities identified the driver of the stolen utility truck as Robert Littlepage Jr., an 18-year-old from Georgia. Investigators stated that Littlepage took the vehicle from a nearby job site where it had been left running. He then struck a parked SUV, jumped a curb, drove along a sidewalk, and ran a red light. Littlepage faces charges including robbery, carjacking, and aggravated assault, along with two nearby burglaries.

Ransom expressed gratitude for surviving the event, saying he felt thankful to be alive and offering thanks to Jesus before taking another large bite of ice cream. His interview concluded with praise for the true hero of the moment, Philadelphia's Mister Softee ice cream truck.