AFD releases more details of river rescue

From the Asheville Fire Department:

AFD crews were dispatched to 191 Lyman St. late Sunday night. Reports stated that a car went off the road and into the French Broad River without the driver exiting. AFD personnel arrived on the scene to find the car upside down in approximately 4 feet of water but uncertain if it was occupied. Several AFD personnel quickly descended the bank and into the river to do a rapid assessment and search while others prepared rescue rigging systems to assist with any possible occupant removals. Upon arrival of more equipment, AFD divers were able to enter beneath the water and gain access inside the vehicle where they located an occupant. Rescuers located Ms. Rhonda Williams who was sustaining life by a small pocket of air in her submerged vehicle. Mrs. Williams was removed from the vehicle and placed in a rescue basket which was lifted up the steep embankment and back onto Lyman St. She was transported to Mission Hospitals with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

SHARE

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.