Firefighters Rescue Driver Standing on Submerged Truck in Pond During Frigid Weather

The driver was treated at the scene after being rescued from the partially submerged vehicle in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Firefighters in Charlotte, North Carolina rescued a driver who was found standing on their pickup truck after it went into a retention pond during frigid winter weather. The driver had been standing on the bed of the partially submerged truck for about 45 minutes before authorities arrived and were able to pull them to safety using an inflatable raft.

Why it matters

This dramatic rescue highlights the dangers of driving in hazardous winter weather conditions and the critical role of first responders in saving lives. The incident occurred during a major winter storm, posing additional challenges for the firefighters conducting the rescue operation.

The details

According to the Charlotte Fire Department, they received reports on January 31st about a pickup truck that had lost control and gone into a retention pond. Firefighters Andrew Woodall and Dustin Reynolds approached the scene and found the driver standing on the bed of the partially submerged truck. The firefighters were able to reach the driver using an inflatable raft, put a life vest on them, and bring them safely back to shore. The driver was evaluated and treated at the scene, with no additional injuries reported.

  • On January 31, 2026, around 7:35 pm local time, the Charlotte Fire Department received reports of a vehicle in a pond.
  • The rescue operation was completed at 8:28 pm on January 31, 2026.

The players

Charlotte Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the emergency call and conducted the rescue operation.

Andrew Woodall

A Charlotte firefighter who was involved in the rescue.

Dustin Reynolds

A Charlotte firefighter who was involved in the rescue.

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What they’re saying

“When we get to you, don't get off yet. We're gonna put this [life vest] on you, and then you're gonna get over [to the raft].”

— Firefighter (Charlotte Fire Department)

“This is not football weather.”

— Rescued driver (Charlotte Fire Department)

“Once we get on scene, we got to act fast. We have trained in drills with this raft in the past...We already knew everybody's positions on the crew, so it was just a matter of putting our training to use. We got the raft setup...and took off to the patient and make sure he got back safe and warm.”

— Dustin Reynolds, Firefighter (Fox Weather)

What’s next

The fire department will likely review the incident and their rescue procedures to identify any areas for improvement in responding to similar emergencies during extreme weather conditions.

The takeaway

This dramatic rescue highlights the critical role of first responders in saving lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. It also serves as a reminder to drivers to exercise extreme caution when navigating roads during hazardous winter weather.