VIDEO/PHOTOS: Jacksonville firefighters saved a 27-year-old man in a dramatic rescue Saturday evening in the St. Johns River, hoisting him out of the water after his car fell over the Dames Point Bridge.
Photos from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department show a captain harnessing the man as crews on the bridge pulled him to safety. The driver had gotten out of his car, which was underwater. He was taken to the hospital, but amazingly only had minor injuries after the 35-foot fall in his vehicle.
The accident happened in the southbound lanes of I-295 approaching the Merrill Road exit. The conditions were dark, cold and rainy, adding to the danger of the situation.
“When I first got down to him, obviously, he was very thankful that I was there,” said JFRD Capt. Phillip Orelli, the rescuer who lowered down to pull the man up. “He was very cold, and he was just really appreciative, and he was ready to get out of that water.”