Amid an evening of torrential rain, San Diego Fire Department (SDFD) crews were called into action to perform dramatic rescues on La Jolla Village Drive. Swift water teams saved four individuals from vehicles swamped by the rising floodwaters. According to a social media post from the SDFD, the rescues occurred around 8:30 p.m. last night, and thankfully, there were no reported injuries.
SDFD crews rescued 4 people from submerged cars on La Jolla Village Dr at about 8:30 p.m. No injuries.
— SDFD (@SDFD) March 7, 2025
Swift water teams are in the field tonight. Rain is very heavy in some areas. Please stay in if you can. Don't drive thru flooded areas.
File pic. pic.twitter.com/PW0lWTAeWg
The SDFD detailed the incident in a Newsworthy Incident Fact Sheet, per the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, stating a water rescue was reported at 7:58 p.m. yesterday, and by 8:10 p.m., teams were already on the scene battling the elements and the hazards hidden beneath the murky waters, including a submerged electrical box that prompted a call for SDG&E assistance.
Firefighters and lifeguards conducted searches of four vehicles caught in the flood. Three individuals were initially pulled to safety from a minivan, and as the operation progressed, four people were rescued. The collaborative effort involved various emergency response teams and resources, including a Truck, a Division Chief, LG River Rescue Teams, Supporting Agencies, Medics, a Helicopter, an Engine, and a Battalion Chief, a total commitment of 17 personnel dedicated to the effort.
Road closures were implemented to secure the area and enable the response teams to work unimpeded; east and westbound La Jolla Village Drive between Villa La Jolla and Interstate 5 will remain closed until determined safe for public use. The hazardous conditions also led to lifeguards swiftly verifying two additional vehicles; by 8:35 p.m., they determined these were unoccupied. The efficient response and search meant that by 8:47 p.m., units were ready to clear, though the road closure persisted.
