Firefighters Race Into Floodwaters To Rescue Driver Trapped On Car Roof In Arizona

Tucson, Arizona – Tucson Fire crews responded to a swift water rescue at 12:07 a.m. near South Harrison and East Escalante roads. Engine 12 arrived at the scene three minutes later and found a vehicle stranded in the Pantano Wash, surrounded by fast-moving water. The driver had climbed onto the roof of the vehicle as floodwaters rushed around it. Firefighters from Quint 17 extended a ladder to the stranded vehicle, assisted the driver onto the ladder, and safely brought the person back to shore. Bodycam and scene footage showed emergency crews arriving at the flooded wash at night as a vehicle sat submerged up to its windows in the rushing water. The footage captured firefighters positioning the ladder truck, extending the aerial ladder across the current, and carrying out the rescue. No injuries were reported. Officials reminded residents that monsoon storms can quickly flood washes and roadways, even when it is not raining nearby, and warned drivers never to attempt crossing flooded areas.