Pikeville, KY (March 18, 2026) – A man was rescued on Tuesday, March 17, after his vehicle went into the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River near the Cassidy Boulevard Bridge in Pikeville.
Firefighters arriving at the scene found the man clinging to a tree in the river amid near-freezing conditions. Emergency crews were able to reach him and safely bring him to shore. He was then taken to Pikeville Medical Center for evaluation.
No additional details have been released about how the vehicle entered the river or the man’s condition following treatment. Authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Our thoughts are with the man as he receives care.
How Water Rescues Are Conducted After Vehicle Submersion
When a vehicle enters a river, responders prioritize the safety of both the occupant and the rescue team. Swift water or cold temperatures can make the situation life-threatening, so crews often use ropes, flotation devices, or boats to reach trapped individuals.
Firefighters assess the surrounding environment, including currents, water depth, and obstacles such as trees or debris. Once the person is safely removed from the water, medical personnel check for hypothermia, shock, and other injuries that may have occurred during the incident. Quick intervention is critical in near-freezing water to reduce the risk of serious complications.
