Major rescue after van ended up stuck in fast-flowing river in Cornwall
Firefighters from Launceston, Bude, St Austell and Plymouth were called to North Petherwin on Wednesday (17th February), along with police
Last updated 18th Feb 2021
A man has managed to pull himself to safety after a van crashed into a fast flowing river in north Cornwall.
Rescuers were called to reports of someone trapped and on the bonnet at North Petherwin.
The casualty made it to the bank but told crews he did not need medical attention.
Police and firefighters from Launceston, Bude, St Austell and Plymouth were scrambled on Wednesday afternoon (17th February).
"At 16:57 we received a 999 reporting a van had left the road and was stuck in fast flowing water with one person trapped inside. Two appliances from Launceston, Water Rescue Units from Bude, St Austell and Plymouth, along with four station managers, were mobilised and responded alongside Devon and Cornwall Police.
"The police informed us that they also received a call stating a van had crashed and the occupant was on the bonnet of the van in fast flowing water.
"After a brief search of the area the first crew located the vehicle and found the occupant had self-rescued from the vehicle and made his way to the riverbank. The occupant was checked over by police and fire crews at the scene and declined medical attention.
"We would like to thank both Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue for providing mutual aid for this incident and Devon and Cornwall Police Control Room staff for assisting us to locate the incident".
Spokesperson, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
Pirate FM has contacted Devon and Cornwall Police for a statement and updates will appear below.
Water Rescues: What should you do?
If you see a person trapped in water INLAND:
Always dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service.
If you end up in the water:
- Stay calm and get out of the vehicle as quickly as possible.
- Escape should be attempted in the small amount of time (around 30 seconds to 2 minutes) during which a vehicle often floats, after which the weight of the engine pulls the vehicle under.
- The sooner you escape the better: cars are not airtight, and will not form an air bubble for survival underwater.
- When sunk, pressure on the doors and windows exerted by the outside water makes them very difficult, even impossible, to open.
Although we recognise that each crash is different and circumstances vary according to situation and ability, if you are able to undertake the actions below following an accident into the water, your chances of survival will increase:
- Unbuckle your seatbelt first, ensuring your passengers follow suit. Children may need help from yourself or anyone else able in the car to unbuckle and get out a window.
- Open the window as soon as possible as this will provide you with a way to escape. If the window will not open, try to break it using a heavy object or a 'life hammer.' Side windows are usually weaker than windscreens; try to break a side window in the corner where it is weakest if it cannot be wound down.
- Do not open the door because this will allow water inside and the vehicle will sink faster.
- If possible assist children to escape through the window, then get yourself out.
- Call the emergency services if you are able as soon as possible after exiting the vehicle.
Visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) website here for further details.