A terrifying situation unfolded on the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge in Louisville, Kentucky, when a multi-vehicle crash left a semi-truck hanging precariously over the edge. The incident brought tons of media attention and prompted a swift and daring response from the city’s firefighters.
Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill commended the first responders during a press conference, emphasizing their professionalism and expertise. “These are some serious heroes. This was some really professional, well-practiced, well-trained stuff,” O’Neill said. “These men and women make me so proud,” O’Neill said.
This motivates the heck out of me every day.”
The rescue operation required meticulous planning and execution. Bryce Carden, a 29-year-old firefighter specializing in high-angle rescues, was tasked with rappelling down to the trapped driver. O’Neill praised Carden’s calm demeanor, noting his crucial role in keeping the situation under control.
A semitruck that broke through the barrier on a bridge in Kentucky hangs precariously over the edge. Photo by the Associated Press
Carden emphasized the importance of teamwork and preparation. “I was not nervous at all going over the edge because I knew that they had me on the top side. Once I reached her, she was super calm, collected and helped me do what I needed to do to get her to safety, essentially. And it all worked out for the best, and we’ll go back to quarters and get ready to do it again if we have to,” he said.
Carden said when he reached the driver, she said “Thank God.” Initially, Carden said he couldn’t get her unbuckled from the seatbelt. “We were given a free pocketknife during our trainings, and I had that pocketknife on me, so I was able to cut her out of her seatbelt,” he said . “I was able to get her out and get the rest of the harness on her.”
The semi-truck, which was traveling northbound on the bridge, reportedly crossed lanes before crashing through the guardrail. Dramatic footage captured the moment when Carden descended from a ladder to secure the trapped driver, ultimately bringing her to safety. “I kept telling her ‘I have you, I have you,’” he said.
She was just thanking God, and then I told her, ‘Let’s just keep praying together.’”
In addition to the semi-truck, three other vehicles were involved in the wreck, adding to the complexity of the rescue operation. One person, along with the truck’s driver, was taken to an area hospital for treatment. As authorities worked to clear the scene and conduct safety inspections, the bridge remained closed, causing disruptions in the area’s traffic flow. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
Bryce Carden holds onto a truck driver who’s semitruck crashed through a barrier and landed dangling off the bridge. Photo by Associated Press
Louisville Metro Police said they were investigating the crash. The bridge remained closed Friday afternoon (local time) in both directions. A safety inspection of the bridge would be conducted after all vehicles were removed, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said.
For Carden, this is one of those work days he won’t ever forget. “We’ve definitely done a few crazy things, but yes, this tops it so far. Like I said, we trained for this situation probably a hundred times, but they actually put it in action. It felt good,” he said. Watch the dramatic rescue below.
