Earlier today, a dramatic scene unfolded on the Charles River as Cambridge firefighters conducted a daring rescue. A woman, trapped in the icy waters below the Massachusetts Avenue bridge, became the focal point of an urgent operation executed before the city had fully awakened. According to the post on Cambridge Fire Department X, firefighters managed to extricate the victim using Ladder 3's roof ladder.
Ice Rescue from the Charles River, near the Mass Av Bridge: Victim has been extricated from the ice & water by FFs via Ladder 3's roof ladder. Victim has been left in care of medics & @ProEMSCambridge for evaluation. @CambridgePolice @ @MassStatePolice also on scene. pic.twitter.com/pQXsjDFgeX
— Cambridge Fire Dept. (@CambridgeMAFire) February 18, 2025
The exact timeline of how the events transpired remains unclear. Reported by the Boston Globe, having sustained serious injuries, the woman was rushed to a local hospital where she is currently undergoing treatment. The incident took place under the bridge where firefighters deployed the engine ladder, with the victim found sometime before 8 a.m. Emerged from the river shivering and in distress, it is still unknown how she ended up in the water or for how long she was submerged.
Collaborative efforts by Cambridge firefighters, Cambridge Police, and the Massachusetts State Police ensured the woman's extraction from the perilous conditions. She was subsequently left in the care of Pro EMS of Cambridge for evaluation. The dangerous mix of ice and cold water presented a grave challenge to the rescue team; a testament to their swift and professional response was the victim's successful rescue from such treacherous circumstances.
A final update from the fire department indicated that their companies were in the process of clearing the incident after ensuring the victim will be transported to the medical facility. In a tweet that echoed the precariousness of the situation, "Final update on the ice/water rescue from the Charles River: Victim will be transported to a med facililty for evaluation, FD companies are in the process of making up to clear from the incident." This quoted detail was sourced from the Boston Globe's coverage of the event. The delicate balance between human fragility and the brute force of nature was on full display, a dynamic that the Cambridge Fire Department navigated with expertise and urgency.
More details surrounding this incident, including the cause and how it unfolded, are expected to be released as the investigation continues.
