Key Takeaways
- A woman was rescued by firefighters after being swept nine miles down San Jose Creek in Los Angeles County.
- The woman was first spotted near Fullerton Road by the 60 Freeway, but was gone by the time firefighters arrived 17 minutes later.
- Firefighters continued searching for the woman downstream, using fire trucks and a helicopter, before eventually rescuing her at Workman Mill Road.
- The woman was taken to a hospital, but her condition was not immediately clear.
- The creek was approximately 2 feet deep, with water flowing at a speed of 8-10 mph.
Introduction to the Incident
A dramatic rescue operation was undertaken by the Los Angeles County Fire Department on Wednesday, after a woman was swept away by the strong currents of San Jose Creek. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was initially spotted in the creek near Fullerton Road by the 60 Freeway at around 1:50 p.m. However, by the time firefighters arrived at the scene 17 minutes later, she was no longer visible. This prompted a frantic search downstream, as firefighters worked tirelessly to locate the missing woman.
The Search and Rescue Operation
The Los Angeles County Fire Department deployed a range of resources to search for the woman, including fire trucks and a helicopter. According to footage captured by OnScene.TV, a newsgathering outlet, the search operation was extensive and involved a thorough scouring of the creek. Pauline McGee, a spokesperson for the L.A. County Fire Department, explained that the woman had been carried downstream for a significant distance, making it a challenging task to locate her. The search party had to navigate the creek, which was approximately 2 feet deep, with water flowing at a speed of 8-10 mph.
The Rescue and Aftermath
After an intense search operation, the woman was finally rescued at Workman Mill Road in San Jose Creek. Video footage shows the woman being helped onto a stretcher by firefighters, who had worked diligently to locate and rescue her. McGee confirmed that the woman was taken to a hospital for medical attention, although her condition was not immediately clear. The rescue operation was a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of the firefighters, who had to act rapidly to save the woman from the treacherous waters of the creek.
The Creek and Its Conditions
San Jose Creek, where the incident occurred, is a watercourse that flows through Los Angeles County. On the day of the incident, the creek was approximately 2 feet deep, with water flowing at a speed of 8-10 mph. These conditions made it a hazardous environment for anyone caught in the currents, as the woman unfortunately experienced. The incident highlights the importance of exercising caution near waterways, especially during periods of heavy flow or strong currents.
Conclusion and Reflection
The rescue operation undertaken by the Los Angeles County Fire Department was a remarkable example of bravery, quick thinking, and teamwork. The fact that the woman was swept nine miles down the creek before being rescued is a testament to the power of the water and the challenges faced by the search party. As the woman receives medical attention, it is hoped that she will make a full recovery from her ordeal. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, especially near waterways, and the need for prompt action in emergency situations.
