Rescue crews repel into river during intense emergency response
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A harrowing scene unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when an SUV crashed through a guardrail on the I-126 bridge, plunging into the Broad River below. The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, was hospitalized with significant injuries following the dramatic incident.
The crash occurred just past Huger Street and Elmwood Avenue on I-126 westbound, prompting an immediate response from emergency crews. Witnesses reported seeing the Toyota FJ Cruiser hit the guardrail, launch off the bridge, and burst into flames upon impact with the river.
Rescue teams from the Columbia-Richland Fire Department faced a challenging operation, battling flames from the submerged vehicle while working to free the trapped driver. In a dramatic display of skill and coordination, firefighters repelled down into the river to reach the victim.
Columbia-Richland Fire Captain Chris Byrd praised the team effort, noting the complexity of the rescue. “We had Ladder Seven there, and they ended up repelling down with some equipment to assist the crews already working on the entrapment,” Byrd said. “We transported the driver down the riverwalk, and EMS drove the ambulance directly to the scene to provide immediate care.”
The driver was rushed to a nearby hospital, but their condition remains unknown as of Thursday morning. News19 has reached out to both the Columbia-Richland Fire Department and the Columbia Police Department for updates but has not yet received additional information.
By Wednesday afternoon, crews had successfully removed the SUV from the river, leaving behind a trail of debris and broken parts. Captain Byrd emphasized that such rescues are part of the department’s rigorous training regimen. “With Rescue One and other support companies, including ladders and additional rescue teams, we train regularly—once or twice a week—for scenarios like this,” he said.
The incident caused significant traffic delays, with I-126 westbound closed for approximately an hour as emergency teams worked tirelessly to secure the scene and ensure public safety.
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the community is left reflecting on the bravery and dedication of the first responders who risked their lives to save another.
