Rescue Divers Face Extreme Challenges in Icy Pittsburgh River

Hazardous conditions complicate efforts to save person who drove into Monongahela River

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A rescue operation in the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh was made extremely difficult by freezing temperatures, icy surface conditions, strong currents, and low underwater visibility, according to the president of the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics. One person was pulled from the river in critical condition after a vehicle went off I-376 and into the water.

Why it matters

River rescues are already among the most hazardous operations for emergency responders, and the extreme winter weather in Pittsburgh added significant additional challenges that put the divers at great risk. The incident highlights the dangers first responders face when carrying out rescues in treacherous conditions.

The details

Divers had to contend with surface ice, strong currents, and poor underwater visibility during the rescue operation. The location of the incident, with a steep hillside and wall drop-off at the river's edge, also complicated the rescue efforts. Atkinson noted that divers are typically only able to remain underwater for about 20 minutes in icy conditions before the risk of hypothermia sets in.

  • The rescue operation took place early Thursday evening.
  • The vehicle went off I-376 and into the Monongahela River.

The players

Jon Atkinson

President of the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics.

Pennsylvania State Police

Reported that one person was pulled from the Monongahela River and taken to the hospital in critical condition.

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What they’re saying

“Diving, I think, in these rivers under normal conditions is arguably one of the most hazardous jobs that we do, and it's made even more hazardous by the environmental conditions that they had to contend with today.”

— Jon Atkinson, President, Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics (wtae.com)

“You end up in an environment where you're underwater, and you come up to surface and you're under ice.”

— Jon Atkinson, President, Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics (wtae.com)

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the cause of the vehicle leaving the roadway and entering the river.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the extreme risks and challenges faced by emergency responders conducting water rescues in freezing winter conditions, and the critical importance of proper training and equipment to protect the safety of the divers.