NORTH PORT, Fla. — What looked like an ordinary patch of grass beside a Walmart parking lot on Tamiami Trail became the starting point for a dramatic rescue after a car crashed through a fence and ended up in a nearby creek.
The crash left behind a broken tail light, damaged fence and several cut-down trees near the Walmart property. But according to North Port Fire Rescue, the damage tells only part of the story.
The most important part was what happened immediately after the vehicle went into the creek.
A Walmart grounds crew was working nearby when the workers noticed the vehicle had gone through the fence and disappeared beneath vegetation. They quickly recognized that someone could be trapped inside.
The workers called 911 immediately and then took action to help emergency crews reach the vehicle.
Workers Jump Into Action to Reach the Vehicle
North Port Fire Rescue Lt. Raymond Coyle said the grounds crew did not wait around when they saw the emergency unfolding.
“They had to don life vest PPE and swim over to the car,” Coyle said. “And they were able to remove the two passengers out of a window.”
Reaching the vehicle was not simple. The car had gone underneath a chain-like fence and into an area covered by vegetation.
The Walmart workers began cutting down trees and clearing vegetation to make access easier for rescuers. They also entered the water wearing life vests as they worked toward the vehicle.
Their quick response helped create a path for the rescue operation while first responders made their way to the scene.
“Thankfully, these lawn crew personnel did not hesitate,” Coyle said. “They immediately went straight into action because they saw the need for it.”
First Responders Say Timing Was Critical
Coyle said the workers’ location at the time of the crash could have made a major difference.
“They were just literally in the right place at the right time. I know everybody always says that, but thankfully, they were mowing that grass field right next to where the vehicle entered under it,” Coyle said.
The vehicle had gone under the fence and down into dense vegetation, making it difficult to see from the surrounding area.
“Actually, went underneath a chain-like fence when it hit the vehicle. Basically dove under the fence and down into the vegetation. You couldn’t see it.”
That meant the presence of the Walmart crew was especially significant. If no one had witnessed the vehicle entering the creek, emergency responders might not have been alerted as quickly.
The workers’ immediate call to 911 and their decision to begin clearing the area gave rescuers a critical head start.
Walmart Workers Praised for Rescue Effort
The response also drew praise from people who witnessed the emergency response.
Coyle described the actions of the grounds crew as an example of community members stepping forward when someone desperately needed help.
“It’s amazing, you have your fellow community members out here willing to put in an effort to aid you in your time of need; it speaks for itself,” Coyle said. “They saw someone who needed help, didn’t hesitate to take action. I commend them; it’s amazing. I’m super proud that they did that. I’m sure they are as well.”
North Port Fire Rescue expects the grounds crew could be honored by the fire department in some way for their actions.
For the workers, what began as an ordinary day mowing grass quickly turned into an emergency rescue effort.
Investigation Into Crash Continues
Authorities have not released the identities of the two women involved in the crash, and their current medical conditions have not been disclosed.
Officials also have not confirmed what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway, crash through the fence and enter the creek.
The circumstances leading up to the crash remain under investigation.
While many details are still unknown, authorities are crediting the Walmart grounds crew for recognizing the danger and acting without hesitation.
Their quick response helped alert emergency personnel and gave rescuers access to the vehicle where the two women were trapped.
What do you think about the Walmart grounds crew stepping in to help during the emergency? Share your thoughts in the comments.