Officials from the Orange Rural Fire Department reported that a person was saved from a creek following a car accident off the road in Orange County.
Firefighters responded to a collision at approximately 10:30 p.m. Thursday at the junction of St. Mary’s Road and New Sharon Church Road in Hillsborough, as detailed in their report.
Authorities reported that an EMS unit from Orange County was on its way back from another call when they discovered the vehicle in a creek that was 4 feet deep. “Emergency medical services alerted the Orange County Emergency Communications to send the fire department for access and possible extrication,” the report stated.
When they arrived, fire crews discovered a small hybrid sedan flipped over in rapidly flowing water. Teams reported that they needed to employ a chainsaw to remove the trees surrounding the vehicle in order to reach it.
Authorities reported that Orange Rural teams utilized Hurst Rescue tools, akin to the Jaws of Life, to pry open the mangled car doors and rescue the passenger inside.
“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.”
Emergency crews were required to transport the individual from the creek to the ambulance, according to officials.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is currently being conducted by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
“Quick decision making and the actions of the firefighters, EMS and law enforcement personnel on the scene made for a positive outcome,” officials said.
