Firefighters’ hands full with riverbank rescue, vehicle fire

COLUMBUS — A rescue along the Colorado River and a fire sparked by a traffic mishap just a mile apart kept first responders busy Monday, according to the Colorado Volunteer Fire Department.

The first incident involved providing emergency medical treatment for a man who slipped from the Interstate 10 West bridge over the river near mile marker 697, according to the VFD’s Facebook page.

The man, who had been sitting at the bridge since 2 a.m., fell about 30 feet to the riverbank, firefighters said.

He was not identified and the extent of his injuries was unknown at press time.

“This rescue was difficult due to thick woods, brush and distance (to) the riverbed. We used our CanAm light rescue/ grass unit to transport him to a clearing where (Memorial Herman) Life Flight made an incredible landing in a difficult spot,” the post noted.

Officials did not say where the man was flown by the medical helicopter for additional treatment.

Meanwhile, as traffic backed up during the rescue, an 18-wheeler and a Jeep were involved in an accident and “caught fire,” the social-media post noted.

“With the Fire Department stretched thin on the first call, a call for mutual aid was made to Bernardo and Eagle Lake fire departments,” the Facebook post said.

Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Chuck Rogers “took command on the second scene with our engine and tanker to get control of the fire. No injuries on the second scene,” according to the report.

Other agencies and personnel assisting at both scenes included the Colorado County Emergency Medical Services, the Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department, the Texas Department of Transportation, Delgado’s Wrecker Service and “our dispatchers keeping track of both scenes at the same time,” the fire service said.

The Bernardo and Eagle Lake fire crews remained on standby, VFD officials added.