A 35-year-old woman's Sunday afternoon turned into a nightmare once she was swept away by the rapid waters of the Los Angeles River, but was fortunately pulled to safety in a daring air rescue carried out by the LAFD. The rescue, which happened east of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, was a race against a 15-mile-per-hour torrent, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Fire Department in a statement.
Initial reports by the LAFD, detailed she was first spotted near Whitsett Avenue after a sudden rainstorm hit, with waters described as "less than knee depth." Despite these seemingly mild conditions, the water was moving swiftly enough to carry her away. The first responders were quick to react, even managing to get a flotation device to her and lower a 24-foot ladder to assist in the rescue. Still, the powerful flow proved too challenging as they struggled to swiftly secure her rescue.
In a high-stakes operation, firefighters eventually opted for an aerial extraction. A rescue helicopter team deployed a hoist, and a brave rescuer was lowered down amidst the rough waters. Miraculously, amidst the chaos, the firefighter was able to grab the woman from the middle of the channel, as reported by the KTLA coverage of the incident.
Once aboard the helicopter, the woman received immediate attention for minor injuries, including hypothermia. The LAFD confirmed that she was then transported directly to an area hospital for further evaluation and care. Adding a sense of relief to the tense situation, the woman assured the rescue personnel that no other persons or animals were with her or, to her knowledge, in peril at the time she was caught by the water's grip.
