Two occupants rescued from car after it ends up in Semois river in Chiny

A car ended up in the Semois river near the Stones footbridge pier in the town of Chiny overnight from Friday to Saturday. The occupants of the car sought refuge on the roof of the vehicle. Approximately fifteen firefighters from various barracks intervened along with an officer. The car was about fifteen meters from the shore when the rescue operation began. The rescuers used small inflatable mattresses called Rescue Slades to reach the occupants on the roof. Fortunately, the two occupants were unharmed and did not require hospitalization. Allegedly, the driver of the car was a local who attempted to cross the easily passable ford in the summer but got stuck in the middle of the Semois.

During the night from Friday to Saturday, a car finished its race in the Semois, near the Stones footbridge, at the pier, in the town of Chiny.

The occupants of the vehicle took refuge on the roof ©EdA

About fifteen firefighters from the barracks of Florenville, Neufchâteau, Bastogne, Saint-Hubert and Libramont intervened on the spot, as well as an officer.

When they arrived, the car was about fifteen meters from the shore. The two occupants were waiting on the roof of the vehicle to be rescued. Diving firefighters went to get them with Rescue Slades, which are sort of small inflatable mattresses.

More fear than harm for the two occupants of the vehicle. They were not injured and their condition did not require hospitalization.

Presumably, the driver of the vehicle, originally from the region, tried to cross the Semois. At this place is a ford easily passable in summer. But he got stuck in the middle of the river.

In conclusion, the incident in Chiny serves as a reminder of the dangers of attempting to cross a river, even if it appears to be easily passable. Thankfully, the two occupants of the car were rescued without injury and were not in need of hospitalization. The quick response of the firefighters from several nearby barracks underscores the bravery and professionalism of our emergency services. Let us take this opportunity to express our gratitude to those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.