Minivan in Creek Means Rescue and Cleanup for Troy Firefighters
(Troy Fire Dept, Feb. 27, 2017)
Troy, MI – The Troy Fire Department was dispatched for a rollover accident, reported to be a vehicle rolled over and upside down in a creek. The occupant was reported to be trapped inside. Upon arrival, firefighters determined that the sole occupant of the vehicle had been removed from the minivan, with the assistance of bystanders. EMS was on scene and began treating the victim.
The vehicle was on its driver’s side, in the creek, beside a culvert that ran under E. Square Lake Rd. The water level of the creek was about 8″ deep, even though it had just rained. The vehicle engine was still running. Firefighters breached the windshield to gain access to the ignition and turn it off. The battery cables were disconnected. Initial reports indicated there were no others inside the vehicle, but crews confirmed the minivan was empty.
While the towing service was beginning their recovery operations, an unknown hydrocarbon product (oil/transmission/gasoline/etc.) was noted to be leaking from the minivan into the creek water. Firefighters used a water skimming device to collect the hydrocarbon product. The device collected a majority of the product. The Pollution Emergency Activation System (PEAS) was notified, as a precaution. The passenger vehicle also struck, and sheared off a fire hydrant. The City of Troy Water Department was also notified to make repairs.
No fatalities were reported.