Raleigh – When a crash on Old Wake Forest Road sent a vehicle careening down an embankment and into a retention pond shortly after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, it was ordinary citizens who stepped in to keep the situation from turning deadly.
Quick action by a local patron
Jertaves Jenkins, who had just closed the Breakfast Bar at Triangle Town Center, heard the commotion while walking home. “It was a Honda or a Camry,” he recalled, noting that the exact make was unclear in the chaos. He saw a driver struggling in the water, shouting, “Help me, I can’t swim.”
Undeterred by thorns and dense brush, Jenkins descended the hill toward the pond. He found another bystander already attempting a rescue. Together they lowered a rope toward the submerged vehicle, though the line was initially too short. “Somebody [came] to the hole and threw rope down, and we were able to throw rope down to the water, but it still wasn’t long enough,” Jenkins said.
Driver reaches safety before first responders arrive
With the rope finally reaching the water, the driver managed to grasp it and pull himself toward safety just moments before police and emergency crews arrived on scene. “The driver swam to the rope right before first responders arrived,” Jenkins reported, expressing relief that the incident did not become a tragedy.
Raleigh Police Department confirmed that both drivers involved in the crash were transported to local hospitals with non‑life‑threatening injuries. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Community spirit on display
Jenkins summed up the experience with a sentiment that resonates throughout the Triangle: “If the shoe was on the other side, I’d want somebody to help me. Ya feel me.” His words underscore the vital role that everyday neighbors play in keeping our streets safe.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, quick thinking, and the willingness to lend a hand when disaster strikes. Raleigh’s public‑safety officials encourage residents to report accidents promptly and to stay clear of hazardous areas until trained responders arrive.
Stay prepared
While the city continues to maintain its network of retention ponds for flood control, drivers are urged to exercise caution on rural and suburban roadways, especially after dark. Keeping headlights on, maintaining safe speeds, and staying alert can help prevent accidents that might otherwise end in water‑related emergencies.
Raleigh’s community members have once again demonstrated the strength of local compassion and the effectiveness of neighborly assistance. Their actions not only saved a life but also reinforced the city’s tradition of caring for one another.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
