Wednesday evening, Sedona Fire responded to a report of a vehicle swept away while attempting to cross Oak Creek at a low water crossing. Chief Jason Coil says the reporting party stated that one occupant was trapped inside the vehicle in the river downstream of the crossing and water was up to the driver’s window and beginning to enter the vehicle. Coil says crew was placed downstream in the event the occupant became separated from the vehicle, and upstream to alert rescuers of any large debris coming toward the vehicle. He says opening the door could cause the vehicle to become dislodged, threatening the rescue team and the occupant, the five man wedge crew made its way to the passenger rear window, broke the glass and passed a helmet and flotation device to the occupant. Rescuers then carried the occupant to the water’s edge where he was assessed by paramedics and transported to VVMC. Coil reminds motorists that it only takes 6 inches of fast moving water to knock over an adult and 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a car.
