Car Runs Off Bridge in Armuchee; One Reportedly Trapped

Rome-Floyd County firefighters attempting to free a trapped victim with extrication tools.

A call to 911 just before 7:00 PM Friday left multiple units from the Rome Fire Department, Floyd County Police and two Redmond EMS units scrambling to a remote location in Armuchee after a car is reportedly perilously hanging from a bridge over a creek.

Rome Fire Engines 8 and 9 along with Rescue 1 and Cars 25 and 23 were dispatched to a small bridge on West Union Road off of Everett Springs Road . According to radio traffic, the car was hanging over a creek that was deep enough to submerge the car and while three occupants had escaped, one was pinned by his legs and was unable to get out.

Rome Fire Deputy Chief Benny Bohannon was first on the scene followed by Engine 8 and reported that victim was still in the car, and that the equipment from the rescue truck would be needed to free them. Firefighters from Engine 9 were also advised they were not needed there.

Paramedics from Redmond EMS quickly arrived on the scene and began assessing and treating the injured victims. A Lifeflight helicopter was put on stand-by but was cancelled by EMS after they determined the injuries were minor.

Rescue 1 arrived on the scene and the vehicle was stabilized with rope. Firefighters then moved onto the vehicle and began the extrication process. The victims legs were pinned by the dash and it had to be rolled back using cutters and hydraulic spreaders.  Firefighters quickly completed the job and extricated the victim from the wreckage. The 14-year old male victim remained conscious during this process and after being removed from the vehicle, it was determined that his injuries were minor.

All four victims were transported to Floyd Medical Center by Redmond EMS with minor injuries. Bystanders stated the family was en route to go swimming when the 37-year-old male driver lost control of the vehicle and slammed directly into the bridge. The victims were from the Calhoun area.

At the time of this article—the children, a 13-year-old female, a 14-year old male and a 15-year old male were all being treated at FMC for minor injuries and were expected to be released.

The cause of this accident is still under investigation.