A Johnston County woman was pulled to safety yesterday after her vehicle plunged into a creek following a medical emergency. Kimberly Mozingo Byrd of Benson was behind the wheel when the incident occurred, according to JoCo Report. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that Byrd's red Ford Edge SUV veered across the centerline on Cornwallis Road, near Veterans Parkway, and careened down a steep embankment, overturning multiple times before coming to rest in the water around 12:57 p.m.
First responders from the Cleveland County Fire Department were quick to the scene where the vehicle, found partially submerged, presented a perilous task. "When they arrived at the scene, the SUV was halfway submerged into the water," detailed a post from the Fire Department's Facebook page, which was reported by WRAL. Despite the vehicle’s precarious position and the potential hazards involved, the rescue team successfully extricated Byrd from the SUV.
Following the accident, authorities directed traffic along Cornwallis Road as emergency crews worked at the site. CBS 17's coverage indicated that, despite the dramatic nature of the crash—with Byrd's vehicle having flipped three times and ending up with mirrors submerged—she was securely restrained at the time of the incident. The fortuity of her being buckled may well have been a critical element in her survival and subsequent rescue.
The rescue shines as a testament to the swift and coordinated response by Johnston County’s emergency services. Byrd was transported to WakeMed for treatment and, fortunately, is expected to make a full recovery. Authorities have decided not to issue any citations in connection to the accident, as stated by CBS 17.
