3 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

A woman's life hangs in the balance after a harrowing rescue mission that involved pulling a fully submerged van out of the Willamette River. The incident occurred on Wednesday at Willamette Park, where Portland Fire Rescue received a distress call about a submerged vehicle. It was reported that two individuals were unloading their boat when the van began to slide into the water. One man managed to extricate himself from the vehicle, but a woman was trapped inside.

The rescue operation was a race against time, as the van was fully submerged in the river. Crews used a pulling system to haul the van out of the water and rescue the woman from inside. The entire operation took about 15 minutes, with rescuers working quickly and efficiently to save the woman's life. She was rushed to an area hospital where she is currently in critical condition. The man who managed to escape from the van was also taken to the hospital but is said to be stable.

Details about the incident are still scarce, and it's unclear what caused the van to plunge into the river. Two individuals who were present during the incident witnessed the entire ordeal and alerted authorities. The sudden and unexpected nature of the accident highlights the importance of being vigilant and cautious around bodies of water.

This is not the first time that such an incident has occurred in the Willamette River, and it serves as a reminder of how dangerous bodies of water can be. It's important for individuals to exercise caution and take necessary precautions while engaging in water activities. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and it's essential to be prepared for any eventuality.

We took this video from KPTV FOX 12 Oregon YouTube Channel.

The heroic efforts of Portland Fire Rescue are commendable, as they worked tirelessly to save the woman's life. The incident serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their communities. As more details emerge about the incident, it's hoped that the woman will make a full recovery and that the cause of the accident will be determined.