Rockford Citizens Rescue Man from Sinking Car in Icy Rock River

Emergency Unfolds at Prairie Street Boat Ramp

A dramatic rescue on the river in Downtown Rockford this afternoon (Wednesday 2/13) after a vehicle slid into the icy water near Prairie Street Brewing Co.

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According to a press release from the Rockford Fire Department, crews responded to 200 Prairie Street around 2:30 pm after reports of an occupied car sliding into the Rock River.

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When crews arrived on the scene, they discovered a group of bystanders already sprung into action.

Quick-Thinking Bystanders Saved a Life

According to Rockford Fire Department officials, the vehicle had slid down the boat ramp and off the edge of an ice shelf before submerging partially in the river.

Witnesses who were standing near the dock saw the incident happening and immediately grabbed a safety rope and flotation ring before venturing out onto the ice to reach the occupant of the vehicle.

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The group of good samaritans then pulled a man from the sinking car, dragging him across the ice and safely to shore.

Rockford Fire Department gave praise to the courageous bystanders whose quick actions helped prevent what could've been a tragic outcome.

Fire Department Confirms No Additional Victims

Once Rockford Fire Department was able to search the vehicle and confirm no other passengers were inside,

According to the RFD report, the vehicle became fully submerged and couldn't be recovered. No fire department personnel were injured during the response, and authorities haven't disclosed the cause of the incident yet.