Two men faced an unexpected turn of events yesterday when their vehicle crashed into Pine Creek in Etna, prompting the local swift water rescue teams to respond. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Crescent Street near Grant Avenue, where WTAE reported that their car veered across traffic, struck a metal pipe, and ultimately landed upright in the creek.
An Etna police officer was quick to respond, providing life vests to the submerged passengers who, according to Etna Mayor Robert Tunon, managed to escape through the sunroof of their vehicle. This mishap happened amidst no evidence of other vehicles being involved in the event. The rescue efforts were a collaborative act, with members of Cherry City Volunteer Fire Department's swift water team and Etna volunteer firefighters coming together to extract the men from their perilous position safely.
The exact cause of the crash remains to be determined, leaving local authorities and residents alike awaiting answers. Mayor Tunon didn't let the moment pass without expressing his appreciation for those first on scene, "I’m incredibly proud of the Etna Volunteer Fire Department, our police department, our fire police and grateful for responding neighbors like the Cherry City team for completing this rescue and removing the vehicle from our creek," he relayed through an interview detailed by TribLIVE.
Both individuals involved in the crash received medical attention at the scene from Shaler Hampton EMS before being taken to the hospital for minor injuries.
