Weather Reporter Saves Screaming Woman From Submerged Car After Cutting Away From Live ‘Fox & Friends’ Shot

Sep 27, 2024 at 2:50 PM

Heroic Weatherman Rescues Trapped Woman in Floodwaters

In a dramatic turn of events, a Fox Weather meteorologist, Bob Van Dillen, interrupted a live "Fox & Friends" report to save a woman trapped in her submerged car, wading into chest-deep water to pull her to safety. The incident, which unfolded on Friday morning, showcased the weatherman's quick thinking and bravery in the face of a life-threatening situation.

Weatherman's Daring Rescue Saves Stranded Motorist

Interrupting the Live Broadcast

Van Dillen was reporting on the widespread flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Atlanta when he noticed a vehicle caught in the rising creek bed in the background. Suddenly, the woman's cries for help interrupted his live broadcast, prompting him to take immediate action.Despite the live-shot still rolling, Van Dillen yelled to the woman that emergency services had been called, and the sound of fire truck sirens could be heard in the distance. However, as the sirens faded and the woman's screams became more frantic, the weatherman decided to take matters into his own hands.

Wading into the Floodwaters

Ending his standup, Van Dillen bravely waded into the chest-deep, swift-moving water to rescue the trapped woman. The cameraman captured the daring rescue, and Van Dillen was later seen carrying the woman through the deep water to safety.In a post-incident report, "Fox & Friends" anchor Ainsley Earhardt praised the weatherman's decisive action, calling him a "hero." Van Dillen recounted the harrowing details of the rescue, describing the woman's panicked state and the challenges he faced in freeing her from the submerged vehicle.

Overcoming Obstacles to Save the Trapped Woman

According to Van Dillen, the water pressure prevented the car door from opening, so he instructed the woman to roll down the window, which allowed more water to enter but also made it possible to open the door and extract her. The water was up to his chest, and there was a slight current, but the woman's petite stature made it difficult for her to touch the ground.Despite the risks, Van Dillen's quick thinking and determination proved crucial in the rescue. He noted that the woman was still strapped into her car seat, and her window was only partially open, making communication and extraction even more challenging.

The Remarkable Resilience of the Trapped Vehicle

Remarkably, the trapped vehicle was still running, and its electronics were operational, allowing the woman to lower the window and communicate with Van Dillen. The weatherman described this as a "miracle," as the water did not short-circuit the car's systems, enabling the crucial window operation that facilitated the rescue.Van Dillen's actions were praised by his colleagues, who acknowledged the risks he took in wading into the floodwaters to save the stranded motorist. The incident serves as a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of the Fox Weather meteorologist, who put his own safety on the line to ensure the woman's safe return.