At 22:35 hours on Thursday May 29, A-Shift responded to a report of a wrecked and submerged vehicle upside down in an over flowing creek near the intersection of St. Mary's Road and New Sharon Church Road.
The wreck was discovered by an Orange County EMS unit that was returning from a response. EMS personnel notified Orange County Emergency Communications to dispatch the fire department for access and potential extrication.
Engine 233, Chief 201, Chief 205 and Rescue 261 responded to the scene. Upon arrival, we found a compact sedan hybrid upside down in fast moving water approximately four feet deep. A chainsaw was used to cut trees back to access the vehicle.
Hurst Rescue tools from Engine 233 were carried into the closest access point to the vehicle. Personnel from our department entered the water and forced open the damaged car doors on the downstream side of the vehicle.
Once we gained access, the lone passenger in the vehicle was removed and carried out of the flowing water to the waiting EMS team. A team of law enforcement, firefighters and EMS caried the wounded passenger to the ambulance.
Quick decision making and the actions of the firefighters, EMS and law enforcement personnel on the scene made for a positive outcome.
North Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating the cause of the accident.
All fire units cleared from the scene a little after midnight.