A Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) inspector survives a dramatic incident when his vehicle was swept into the Pacific Ocean during severe weather conditions.
According to KTLA, the firefighter's SUV was carried away by a powerful mudslide and debris flow, plummeting approximately 30 feet into the ocean waters at Big Rock in Malibu on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. when unprecedented rainfall, measuring approximately 2 inches in the area, triggered a substantial mud flow that overwhelmed protective barriers. The force of nature proved too powerful for the installed K-Rail, which failed to contain the surge of mud and debris rushing through the area.
LAFD Spokesperson Erik Scott revealed that existing infrastructure, including a tunnel beneath the highway, was completely overwhelmed by the volume of water and mud during the incident.
The clogged drainage system contributed to the hazardous conditions that led to the SUV being forced off the road. The vehicle's tumble down the steep hillside ended with it being battered by ocean waves.
The unidentified inspector managed a remarkable escape from the vehicle, reportedly using a knife to free himself from his seatbelt. After freeing himself, witnesses observed him walking back to safety and climbing over a fence while his colleagues rushed to his assistance. The determination and quick thinking displayed during his escape likely prevented a more tragic outcome.
As a precautionary measure, the inspector received medical attention at a local hospital. Scott later confirmed via social media platform X that the firefighter had returned home with only minor injuries and was resting comfortably with his family.
KTLA reporter Eric Spillman provided on-scene coverage Friday morning, documenting the unusual sight of a fire department vehicle partially submerged in ocean waters. The damaged SUV remained visible as waves continuously washed over it, creating a stark reminder of the previous day's dangerous conditions.
The LAFD initiated plans to recover the vehicle from its precarious position in the Pacific Ocean. The department arranged for specialized equipment, including a heavy-duty tow truck equipped with a boom and cables, to attempt the retrieval operation. Officials scheduled the recovery effort for approximately 4 p.m., timing it to coincide with low tide conditions to maximize the chances of a successful extraction.
The incident highlighted the destructive potential of severe weather conditions and the importance of emergency preparedness. The combination of heavy rainfall and terrain vulnerability created hazardous conditions that even experienced emergency personnel found challenging to navigate.
The LAFD inspector demonstrated a remarkable presence of mind during this life-threatening situation, managing to escape from a vehicle that plunged 30 feet into the Pacific Ocean at Malibu's Big Rock location.
The incident, triggered by severe storm conditions and resulting mud flows on Thursday evening, concluded with the firefighter sustaining only minor injuries and returning home to his family.
Recovery operations for the submerged vehicle were scheduled for Friday afternoon, with specialized equipment being deployed during low tide to retrieve the fire department's SUV from ocean waters.
