Martin County, FL – Two people were dramatically rescued after a hit-and-run crash sent their vehicle plunging into a canal along Martin Highway (714) on September 12, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies who risked their own lives to save the victims are now being praised for their heroic actions, which were captured on video.
The Crash
Authorities reported that the victims were traveling eastbound on Martin Highway (714) when their car was struck by another vehicle. The force of the collision pushed their car off the road and into a deep, water-filled embankment, where it became fully submerged with both occupants trapped inside.
The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene, leaving the victims behind, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Struggle to Call for Help
Although the victims managed to dial 911, the call was disconnected before they could provide their exact location. This made it difficult for dispatchers and deputies to pinpoint where the crash had occurred.
Deputies Locate the Car
Deputies Matt Fritchie and Juan Pepper-Orelliana responded to the area but could not see the submerged vehicle from the roadway along the dark stretch of Highway 714.
According to officials, Deputy Fritchie rolled down his window and listened carefully, eventually hearing the faint sound of a car horn coming from the embankment. That sound guided the deputies to the exact crash site, according to NBC6.
Dramatic Rescue
Without hesitation, both deputies jumped into the water and broke into the submerged vehicle. They were able to pull the two trapped occupants to safety.
In the rescue footage, the car horn can be heard blaring as one victim is pulled from the wreckage. “Oh my leg,” the woman is heard saying as she is assisted from the water.
When deputies asked how many people were inside, she replied, “Just me and my husband.”
Victims Taken to Hospital
The two victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment. While their exact conditions have not been released, authorities confirmed they survived thanks to the deputies’ quick response.
Ongoing Investigation
In a statement, the department praised the responding deputies, saying:
“In times of such crisis, we have warriors. Between our incredible dispatchers and our determined deputies, this became a clear case of our warriors working quickly and risking their own lives to save others.”
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office stated that it is continuing to investigate the case and working to identify the hit-and-run driver responsible for the crash.
What are your thoughts on this heroic rescue and the ongoing search for the hit-and-run driver? Share your views in the comments below.
