It started like any other winter afternoon in Suffolk, Virginia cold, snowy, and quiet. But within seconds, a routine drive turned into a life-or-death situation when an SUV lost control on the slick roads and plunged into an ice-cold creek.
Two people were trapped. The clock was ticking. And the freezing water was rising fast.
A Split-Second Crash Into Disaster
The accident happened around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday near East Washington Street and Hollywood Avenue. Snow had been falling heavily, creating slick and dangerous driving conditions. As the SUV traveled down the road, the driver hit an icy patch, lost control, and veered off the road—straight into the freezing water.
The vehicle began sinking almost immediately. One of the occupants managed to climb onto the roof, desperately clinging on, but the other remained trapped inside as the frigid water rushed in.
First Responders Arrive – And The Race Against Time Begins
Within minutes, Suffolk Fire & Rescue teams were on the scene. But this was no ordinary rescue they had to act fast, or the cold water would take its toll.
Firefighters quickly extended a ladder from the shore to the sinking SUV, creating a narrow escape path. Lt. Mike Turner, wasting no time, grabbed a life jacket, shed his heavier gear, and carefully crawled across the ladder toward the stranded victims.
First, he reached the person on the roof, securing them before helping them inch their way across the ladder to safety. But one more person was still inside the car.
The real danger came next.
The icy current was strong. The vehicle was sinking deeper. Lt. Turner carefully reached inside, secured the trapped occupant, and guided them out of the vehicle. Step by step, he led them across the ladder and onto solid ground.
By 2:30 p.m., both individuals were safely out of the freezing water cold, shaken, but miraculously alive.
A Close Call, But a Happy Ending
Paramedics treated both victims for cold exposure before taking them to a nearby hospital. Thankfully, both are expected to recover.
Suffolk Fire Chief Michael Barakey couldn’t be prouder of his team.
When it all comes together like this and we get to serve in a way that really makes a difference it makes us proud, he said.
Virginia Winter Storm Continues to Wreak Havoc
This was just one of hundreds of emergencies caused by the massive winter storm hitting Virginia and North Carolina. Roads have been a nightmare, with over 800 crashes reported in Virginia alone. In North Carolina, a 53-car pileup on I-40 left one person dead.
Norfolk saw over 10 inches of snow one of the heaviest single-day snowfalls in its history. Officials are urging people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
How to Stay Safe in This Dangerous Weather
- Avoid driving in extreme conditions. If you must go out, slow down and increase your following distance.
- Be prepared for emergencies. Keep blankets, extra clothes, water, and a first-aid kit in your vehicle.
- Stay informed. Follow weather alerts and road condition updates from trusted sources.
This heart-stopping rescue is a powerful reminder of how quickly winter storms can turn deadly and how heroic first responders risk their lives to save others.
Because in moments like these, every second counts.