Frantic Moments Near the Lesner Bridge (Image Credits: S.abcnews.com)
Virginia Beach – A routine drive turned perilous when an SUV plunged into chilly waters, prompting swift intervention from nearby residents who pulled the trapped driver to safety.
Frantic Moments Near the Lesner Bridge
The incident unfolded on a frigid afternoon near the Lesner Bridge, where the vehicle veered off course and sank rapidly behind a local seafood restaurant. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic yet coordinated, with the SUV’s descent into the water leaving little time for hesitation. The driver, a woman, found herself unable to open the doors as the vehicle filled with water.
Local police responded quickly to reports of the crash, but it was the immediate actions of passersby that made the difference. Authorities later confirmed no serious injuries occurred, though the circumstances leading to the plunge remained under investigation. The event highlighted the dangers of waterfront roads during winter months, when icy conditions can exacerbate accidents.
Everyday Heroes Step Up
Among the rescuers was Jeremy Way, a Navy aviation rescue swimmer with 17 years of experience, who happened to be in the area. He joined three other community members in a collective effort to free the driver. They first attempted to communicate with her through the windows before resorting to breaking the glass.
Video footage captured by a bystander showed the group smashing the rear windshield, allowing one man to reach inside and extract the woman just as the SUV fully submerged. Their teamwork prevented a potential tragedy, demonstrating how ordinary people can become lifesavers in emergencies. Officials praised the responders for their composure under pressure.
The Role of Quick Decision-Making
In situations like this, seconds count, and the rescuers’ choices proved critical. The water’s low temperature added to the urgency, as prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia. Emergency protocols emphasize breaking side windows over windshields due to tempered glass, but the group’s adaptability saved the day.
Experts note that such incidents often stem from factors like distracted driving or road slickness, though details in this case awaited further review. The rescue underscored the value of basic safety knowledge, such as keeping a window-breaking tool in vehicles near water.
Community Response and Aftermath
News of the rescue spread quickly through local channels, drawing admiration for the involved citizens. The restaurant nearby, Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant & Crabhouse, became a focal point for the story, with staff offering support to those affected. Virginia Beach authorities used the event to remind drivers of winter driving precautions.
Following the rescue, the driver received medical evaluation and was released without major harm. The submerged vehicle was later recovered, but the focus remained on the human element – the bystanders who acted without delay.
- Incident location: Behind Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant & Crabhouse, near Lesner Bridge.
- Date: Friday, January 16, 2026.
- Rescuers: Four bystanders, including Navy veteran Jeremy Way.
- Outcome: Driver safely extracted; no serious injuries reported.
- Investigation: Ongoing by Virginia Beach police.
Key Takeaways
- Bystander intervention can turn a dire situation into a success story.
- Training like Way’s enhances response effectiveness in crises.
- Waterfront accidents demand heightened awareness, especially in cold weather.
This rescue serves as a powerful reminder of community solidarity in the face of danger, proving that collective action can overcome even the most harrowing odds. What would you do in a similar emergency? Share your thoughts in the comments.
