HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A person was rescued from a creek after their car crashed off the road in Orange County, officials with the Orange Rural Fire Department said.
According to their report, firefighters were called to a crash around 10:30 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of St. Mary’s Road and New Sharon Church Road in Hillsborough.
Officials said an Orange County EMS unit was returning from a separate response when they found the car in a 4-foot deep creek. “EMS personnel notified Orange County Emergency Communications to dispatch the fire department for access and potential extrication,” the report said.
Upon arrival, fire crews said they found a compact sedan hybrid upside down in fast-moving water. Crews said they had to use a chainsaw to cut the trees around the car to gain access.
Officials said Orange Rural crews also had to use Hurst Rescue tools, which are similar to the Jaws of Life, to force open the damaged car doors to get the passenger out.
“Personnel from our department entered the water and forced open the damaged car doors on the downstream side of the vehicle,” the report said. “Once we gained access, the lone passenger in the vehicle was removed and carried out of the flowing water to the waiting EMS team.”
Officials said that emergency crews had to carry the individual out of the creek and into the ambulance.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.
“Quick decision making and the actions of the firefighters, EMS and law enforcement personnel on the scene made for a positive outcome,” officials said.
Source: Fox 8 News Channel
Be First to Comment