Early Sunday morning tragedy struck when a vehicle was swept off a roadway and into a creek in North Austin, prompting a swift response from emergency teams. According to Austin-Travis County EMS, the incident occurred around 7:13 a.m. in the 1100 block of Rutland Drive, in proximity to Quail Creek Neighborhood Park.
Water Rescue with multiple patients in the creek 1100blk Rutland (07:13) A vehicle was swept away off roadway into creek. When investigating @Austin_Police has located additional patients in trees needing rescue. #ATCEMS, @AustinFireInfo on-scene @STAR_Flight_TC responding. MTF pic.twitter.com/iua6pP4x2f
— ATCEMS (@ATCEMS) December 24, 2023
The driver of the first vehicle that plunged into the water was promptly rescued by the Austin Fire Department. The search and rescue operation then intensified, as emergency crews discovered not only additional victims in need of help but another vehicle submerged, lying upside down in the stream's relentless flow. "Formulating plans to access other patients," the Austin Fire Department stated.
As the efforts continued, two individuals were retrieved from the treacherous waters. Despite the perilous circumstances they faced, these people did not require hospitalization. The CBS Austin report said, "Two people were reportedly pulled from the water, but did not require transport to the hospital."
In addition to the water rescues, responders turned to technology, with STAR Flight helicopters and Austin Fire Department drones scrutinizing the area for any other victims. Search and rescue operations had to be scaled back as the water's pace rendered the search difficult, especially in reaching the second vehicle. Nevertheless, crews were able to locate two more people on an elevated patch in the creek who were "currently safe but unable to exit," according to updates from emergency services.
