In an extraordinary display of courage and quick action, bystanders sprang into action Wednesday evening, rescuing a woman trapped inside her overturned car in the Potomac River. The single-vehicle accident occurred along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Responding firefighters and rescue personnel have credited bystanders at the scene with freeing the woman before their arrival.
According to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, the driver sustained only minor injuries, a fortunate outcome given the car’s position — flipped upside-down and partially submerged. First responders shared an image showing the car, half-submerged and overturned, as they worked to retrieve it from the river later that night.
The bravery and selflessness shown by those who risked their own safety to help a fellow human being in a moment of critical need resulted in a life saved. Vehicle accidents happen, and it is beyond devastating when they result in catastrophic injuries and loss of life.
Many thanks to the heroes.
Quote from Richard MacDowell:
"Our lives can be stolen in a moment! Every day I see citizens of Northern Virginia suffer from tragic auto accidents such as these. If you or a family member has been in a catastrophic accident, protect yourselves and your loved ones by consulting with an attorney. Drivers can sometimes be victims of unsafe road conditions, such as bad road grading, or a lack of guardrails. In these situations, you may want to have an attorney, or an expert determine if there was a negligent cause to an accident. I previously represented a woman who lost her life when her car struck a poorly maintained and improperly located telephone pole. Our investigation led to the family finding out the real cause for this woman’s death, which was not her fault but rather the fault of the power company. Be smart and speak to a local attorney when tragedy like this touches your life."