LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A dramatic rescue unfolded on Friday when firefighters saved the driver of a semitruck that was precariously hanging over a bridge spanning the Ohio River, following a multi-vehicle collision.
The accident, which involved three vehicles, occurred on the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, a key link between Louisville, Kentucky, and southern Indiana. The incident was reported around midday, according to Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill, who addressed the media at a press briefing. Another individual involved in the crash was promptly transported to the hospital, while rescue teams began the complex task of extracting the truck driver from the cab.
Setting up a rope system and preparing a rescuer to rappel down to the cab took approximately 40 minutes. The driver was then secured in a safety harness and carefully extracted from the vehicle, O’Neill explained. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for precautionary measures.
“Our teams regularly train for such challenging situations,” he said, referring to the rescue operation. “This incident represents a worst-case scenario.”
O’Neill praised the firefighters for their preparedness and professionalism, attributing the successful operation to their rigorous training. “These individuals are true heroes,” he said. “Their professionalism, practice, and training were evident. They immediately sprang into action and ensured her safety.”
The Louisville Metro police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The bridge was still closed in both directions as of Friday afternoon.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced that a thorough safety inspection of the bridge will be carried out once all vehicles involved in the accident have been cleared from the scene.
Disagree – The driver should have been more careful.