An Alabama man survived after being compressed inside a garbage truck — twice.

Emergency responders were called around 5:30 a.m. to a report of a person inside a garbage truck in Jackson.

Officials believe the man was compressed twice during the truck’s early morning route, first at a KFC on Highway 43 and again at a nearby Hampton Inn.

The driver became aware of the situation when he arrived at a Popeyes restaurant and heard someone calling for help. The driver then stopped the truck and shut down the equipment.

Responders arriving on scene expected severe injuries, but the man was found alive in the truck, WKRG reported, citing volunteer firefighter Mendy Boldin.

“We were all shocked because we thought, well, we’re going to have to get down there and really do some trauma assistance to him to get him out, but he was fine,” Boldin said, according to the news station. She added that the man’s survival was “a God thing.”

Fire officials said they believe the man was homeless and had been sleeping in a dumpster to stay warm.

The man was transported to a hospital in Mobile for treatment. His condition was not immediately released.

Advocates and public safety officials have long warned that people seeking shelter in dumpsters or trash containers face serious injury risks during collection routes, particularly during winter cold snaps when unsheltered individuals may seek enclosed spaces for warmth.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under review.