Firefighters rescued an Uber driver on Wednesday afternoon after her car plunged into a ravine in Spokane Valley, Washington.
Patrick Erickson, a spokesperson for the Spokane Valley Fire Department, told ABC News the woman’s family had filed a missing persons report after they lost contact with her while she was working overnight.
“They knew something was wrong when she didn’t check in with the family early in the morning,” Erickson said.
In this photo posted to their FaceBook account, the Spokane Valley Fire Department rescues an Uber driver that had crashed down a steep ravine in Spokane Valley, WA.
Spokane Valley Fire Department
The woman, who has not been publicly identified, was tracked down using a location-sharing app on her phone. Sheriff’s deputies then responded to the scene, where she was found trapped at the bottom of a steep ravine in a wooded area.
“That’s when they called the fire department, and that’s when my guys showed up and we were able to extricate her,” Erickson said.
In this photo posted to their FaceBook account, the Spokane Valley Fire Department rescues an Uber driver that had crashed down a steep ravine in Spokane Valley, WA.
Spokane Valley Fire Department
Firefighters removed the doors of the SUV to pull her out of the wreckage, Erickson said, then carried her up the embankment.
The woman was found alive and conscious, and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
It is not clear how the woman ended up careening off the road, but Erickson said she is believed to have been in the ravine for at least 12 hours.
A recent rescue operation in Washington state made headlines after an Uber driver fell into a ravine and was saved by emergency responders. The incident occurred on a remote road in the Cascade Mountains, where the driver had been navigating the treacherous terrain to pick up a passenger.
The driver, whose name has not been released, reportedly lost control of his vehicle and tumbled down a steep embankment, coming to rest at the bottom of a ravine. The fall left him trapped and injured, with no way to call for help.
Fortunately, a passing hiker heard the driver’s cries for help and immediately dialed 911. Emergency responders from the local fire department and search and rescue team were dispatched to the scene, where they quickly assessed the situation and devised a plan to extricate the driver from the ravine.
Using ropes and pulleys, the rescue team carefully lowered themselves down the steep slope to reach the injured driver. They stabilized him and carefully lifted him back up to safety, where he was then transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The driver sustained several injuries in the fall, including broken bones and lacerations, but is expected to make a full recovery. Authorities have praised the quick thinking of the hiker who called for help, as well as the skill and bravery of the rescue team who risked their own safety to save the driver.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise when driving in remote or mountainous areas, especially during inclement weather or poor road conditions. It also highlights the importance of being prepared for emergencies and having a plan in place for seeking help if needed.
The driver expressed his gratitude to the rescue team and all those involved in his rescue, stating that he is thankful to be alive and looking forward to getting back on his feet. The community has rallied around him, offering support and well wishes as he begins his recovery journey.
Overall, this rescue operation is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of emergency responders, who put their lives on the line every day to save others in need. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying safe and being prepared when venturing into remote or challenging environments.
