On Thursday September 23rd at 12:17 hours, Station 38, Engine 76 and MICU 144 were dispatched to Lincoln Hwy and South Bailey Rd in the underpass for a water rescue. With a crew already on station due to the predicted heavy rains for the area, Rescue 38 made the response within a minute after dispatch. Rescue 38 was given the report from Chester County Fire Radio Communications that they were receiving calls of at least two vehicles stranded in the water.

Rescue 38 arrived on location to find two vehicles stranded in the water. Deputy 38 (D. Taylor) arrived on scene and established South Bailey Command while Captain 38 (P. Taylor) oversaw the operations. The crew from Rescue 38 began to initiate rescues from both vehicles. An officer from Pennsylvania State Police Embreeville Barracks was already on scene and began to assist the occupants from one of the vehicles. The crew from Rescue 38 ensured that the officer and the civilians made it out safely before turning their attention to the other vehicle. Rescue 38 crew made several rescues from the remaining vehicle and released the occupants to family members on scene. MICU 144 was released by command with no patients requiring EMS services. Station 38 and Engine 76 remained on scene for a short time assisting Caln Township Public Works with securing the underpass with barricades and additional traffic control.

Please remember with the heavy rains that all of the underpasses are susceptible to easily flooding. The Public Works Department does their best to get flooded roadways barricaded or closed with caution tape. Closed roads, while can be an inconvenience, are done for everyone’s safety. Only a few inches of water can sweep a vehicle away or even cause damage to the roadway underneath.

Photo's courtesy of IrishEyez Photography & Tom Yervelli