Dramatic video of Coast Guard helicopter crew rescuing trapped driver who crashed into swirling McKenzie River
(Update: Added video)
ODOT advises of Hwy. 126 delays, possible closures Friday during vehicle recovery
VIDA, Ore. (KTVZ) – A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew lowered a rescue swimmer to a car that crashed into the swirling waters of the McKenzie River Wednesday night. They lifted the injured driver, who was flown to the hospital, Lane County sheriff’s deputies said Thursday as they released dramatic video of the operation.
Deputies and Oregon State Police were called around 8 p.m. Wednesday to the crash scene near milepost 31 on state Highway 126, the McKenzie Highway. Several fire departments also responded, including McKenzie and Eugene-Springfield Fire.
"The response was complicated by high water, darkness and the precarious location of the vehicle, which was stuck on a rock ledge in the middle of the McKenzie River," the sheriff's office said.
Deputies deployed a drone to get a better view of the vehicle and driver who was pinned in the car. Sheriff’s Search & Rescue began working on plans to set a line across the river for a rescue swimmer and also contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for a helicopter.
A Coast Guard helicopter was able to respond with a rescue swimmer, who was lowered onto the vehicle. The driver was hoisted aboard and flown to an area hospital.
The sheriff's office thanked "the many agencies that responded and prevented a tragic outcome to the incident, including McKenzie Fire and Rescue, Upper Mckenzie Rural Fire Protection District, Eugene Springfield Fire, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, T&M Towing, U.S. Coast Guard, and others."
Oregon State Police is investigating the cause of the crash.
ODOT advised drivers on Highway 126 to expect delays and possible closures on Friday as crews work to recover the car. Flaggers will be on-site to keep traffic moving when possible, but temporary closures may be needed.
