Off-duty Firefighters Rescue Driver from Submerged Vehicle in Oregon River

A dramatic rescue occurred when a pickup truck veered off Highway 20 near Yukwah Campground, plummeting about 30 feet into the South Santiam River, leaving the driver trapped inside with water rising near their head. Two off-duty firefighters from Crook County Fire and Rescue and the Ochoco National Forest, who happened upon the scene, quickly assessed the situation and worked to free the victim from the submerged vehicle. Fire crews set up a rope system to safely bring the driver to the riverbank, where they were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The rapid response of these firefighters prevented a potentially more severe outcome, as the driver was at risk of drowning and hypothermia. Multiple agencies, including Sweet Home Fire and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, were involved in the rescue effort, with nine off-duty members assisting. The victim's current condition following the rescue remains unclear.