A harrowing episode unfolded on Saturday evening in east Charlotte when a pickup truck veered off the road due to heavy snow and landed into a retention pond. The Charlotte Fire Department, responding to an emergency call, reached the scene at the intersection of Jermioth Drive and Cuddington Drive around 7:35 p.m., where they discovered the vehicle partially submerged with the driver conspicuously standing in the truck's bed. This alarming incident was reported by sources including WCNC, myfox8.com, and WCCB Charlotte.
Agencies swiftly deployed various resources, including an engine company, a ladder company, Rescue 11, and Dive 11 to aid in the rescue effort. Despite the slippery conditions and the inherent risks, firefighters managed to swiftly and successfully retrieve the driver from the chilling waters by approximately 8:25 p.m., as reported by WCNC. Upon rescue, the driver was attended to on the scene, fortunately escaping what could have been a tragic outcome with no reported injuries.
The incident was caused by a pickup losing control, a common hazard during winter storms like the one affecting Charlotte that evening. Charlotte Fire reminded drivers to exercise caution, especially near standing water. "Avoid driving into areas where water depth cannot be determined," officials advised, as reported by Fox8.
After the incident, the Charlotte Fire Department urged drivers to be cautious near water during storms.
