Two rescued by Specialist Team after plunge

Vehicle occupants rescued following car plunge drama

A car with two occupants left the road and plunged more than 30ft down a near vertical face into the River Clyde this afternoon.

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue's ( SFR's) control room received the first reports of the incident at approximately 2:30pm and fire crews from Lanark Community Fire Station were quickly on the scene at Kirkfieldbank in Lanarkshire, along with other emergency services. Further SFR resources arrived shortly afterwards including a water rescue team.

These initial crews quickly assessed the situation, finding that the two occupants, one male and one female, had managed to escape from the vehicle, but were trapped on the river bank at the base of a steep and treacherous slope, close to the fast flowing water.

The incident commander immediately requested further support from Strathclyde Fire & Rescue's Specialist Rope Rescue Team, whilst firefighters donned 'Safe Working at Heights' equipment that allowed them to make the descent to the casualties; secure them, assess their injuries and provide initial trauma care.

On arrival of the Rope Rescue Team, a Ferno Basket Stretcher and other dedicated rope rescue equipment was put into action. Both casualties were quickly rescued using a technique known as an Assisted Vertical Stretcher Rescue where a team member accompanies the casualty whilst they are raised, keeping them safe and reassured throughout the operation.

Once safely clear of the steep drop, the casualties were passed into the care of the ambulance service paramedics who provided further medical attention. The pair were transported by ambulance to Wishaw General Hospital and shortly afterwards it was reported that they were suffering from minor injuries.

Group Commander Stephen McGrath said, "This was a technically difficult rescue. but thanks to some great team work between the firefighters, paramedics and police officers who attended, and with the specialist knowledge and equipment provided by Strathclyde Fire & Rescue's Rope Rescue Team, the incident has been resolved safely and efficiently."