Lawrence County Fire & Rescue Tennessee
4m ·
For Immediate Release:

March 15,2024
Subject: Swift Water Rescue
At approximately 6:20AM Lawrence County Fire Rescue Units were dispatched to a report of a vehicle that has been swept away from a bridge by flood waters on Gieske Rd in the South East Fire District. Initial dispatch information from Lawrence County E-911 indicated that two victims were trapped in the vehicle. Initial reports from the scene indicate that two personnel from South East FD along with a Sheriff’s Department Sergeant who was on patrol in the area were the first to arrive on scene. They were able to navigate through a wooded area and locate the vehicle approximately 650ft down stream from the bridge. These three personnel arrived with limited equipment to find that one victim was attempting to make it to shore. These personnel were attempting to assist the victim to shore when the current pulled the victim under water. The Sheriff’s Department Sergeant immediately entered the water and grabbed the victim. The two firefighters from South East Fire Department then assisted the two to shore. Moments later two swift water rescue personnel from LCFR arrived on scene to assist with the rescue of the second victim. One member swam to the victim from the bank and attached a flotation device and safety ropes that were deployed by other swift water personnel. The other member deployed safety rope lines and throw bags to the rescuer and victim. More swift water personnel from Lawrence County Fire Rescue as well as a 5 person rescue team from Lawrenceburg Fire arrived to assist in the rescue of the second victim. Personnel ensured that down stream safeties equipped with throw bags were in place. During this process the vehicle had began to drift again and it became necessary to immediately get the victim to shore. The victim was physically unable to assist with the rescue so a second rescuer entered the water and assisted in safely getting the victim to shore while personnel on the bank controlled safety ropes that were attached to the victim and rescuers. The victim was brought to the shore without further incident. Personnel on scene then assisted both victims back to the roadway where they were turned over to EMS for treatment.