RESCUE IN PINE VALLEY

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CAL-FIRE Battalion Chief Nick Schuler

July 17, 2009 (Pine Valley) – A car plunged off eastbound I-8 one mile west of the Pine Valley bridge, rolling 200 feet over the side late this afternoon.  The accident trapped inside the four-door, champagne-colored vehicle.  

“An off duty CAL FIRE firefighter happened to be driving by just after the incident occurred and stopped dto render immediate care,” CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Nick Schuler reported. Firefighters extricated the woman, who was trapped in the upside-down car. Five engine companies, a rescue unit, paramedics, a helicopter and two battalion chiefs responded in support of the incident.
 

Agencies responding included CAL FIRE-San Diego Fire Authority, CAL FIRE-San Diego Rural, CAL FIRE-Pine Valley Fire Dept., United States Forest Service, Viejas Fire Dept., Alpine Fire Dept., American Medical Response, Mercy Air, and California Highway Patrol. The woman was air-lifted to a local hospital.