Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte NC – Firefighters freed a driver trapped by a large tree that fell and struck her car.

On Saturday February 11^th at 5:10 PM Charlotte Firefighters responded to reports of a large tree and power lines down on a vehicle in the 1300 block of West Rocky River Road. Firefighters from nearby Station 27 were first to arrive and observed the somewhat unusual site of a 4-door passenger vehicle partially suspended several feet in the air by a large tree.

The large tree that had fallen on the vehicle penetrated the passenger compartment and entrapped the driver. Firefighters worked tirelessly to free the driver utilizing chain saws and other specialized rescue tools sum 25 minutes after arriving on scene.

This tedious and technical rescue required the coordinated efforts of 17 Firefighters and Rescue Technicians. Said Battalion Chief Peter Skeris, “the driver stated the large tree fell suddenly and without warning striking the vehicle. A large branch penetrated the front windshield, exited the driver’s side rear window. The tree then sprung back lifting the vehicle off the ground leaving it suspended several feet in the air”.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to an area hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte NC – Fire Chief Jon B. Hannan recognized a local Charlotte-Mecklenburg School bus driver for her quick and decisive actions after safely evacuating the children off a burning school bus.

On Wednesday February 8^th just before 5 PM Charlotte Firefighters responded to a school bus fire in the 1200 block of Bearmore Drive in east Charlotte. Firefighters from Station 3 arrived to find a school bus engulfed in flames. The crew quickly accounted for the six student passengers and bus driver before engaging in a firefight. Firefighters were able to knockdown the raging fire in just a few minutes. Firefighters attributed the quick actions of the bus driver, Ms. Lindora Richardson for the safe evacuation of six students.

On Monday February 13^th, Fire Officials, School Officials, and parents joined Charlotte Fire Chief Jon B. Hannan at Chantilly Montessori School to recognize Ms. Richardson for doing all the right things when everything went wrong. After the ceremony Ms. Richardson who was substituting for the normal bus driver was reunited with the six students she helped safely evacuate off the bus. Said one of the students, “Thank you for saving us, it could have been a lot worse.”

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department