BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho — A Utah family had to be rescued from the Snake River in Idaho after their van went off the road near a campground and into the water Monday afternoon.
Susan Richardson witnessed the rescue and captured it on camera.
"I have never seen anything like that before," she said.
After the van went into the water downstream from the Fall River Campground, the driver was able to call for help. The driver, his wife, and four children were still inside the van while it floated down the river.
When emergency crews got to the scene, the van had become stuck on rocks, and everyone inside still had their heads above the water. Sgt. Bryan Lovell with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office said water started to flow inside the family’s car, and they were having a difficult time getting out.
“They had to break out the back window, and that’s how they got the kids out," Richardson said. "They all grabbed some life jackets and put them on all of them, and then kind of walked them along the rope, carrying the children."
WATCH BELOW: Full video of the river rescue
Rescuers were able to help the family to the water's edge, where they were pulled up a 30-foot embankment to the roadway. Aside from exposure to cold water, the family was uninjured during the ordeal.
Investigators believe that the van had driven too close to the edge when the passenger-side tires went off the road, causing the vehicle to roll into the water.
Lovell reminds the public that it’s important for drivers in the backcountry to be prepared for anything.
“Something that can cut a seatbelt, can cut an airbag, break a window — those are good things to have," he said. "Recognize when you’re in the backcountry areas, just being prepared for emergencies in general."
Lovell said he spoke to the family Tuesday morning. He said they’re still shaken by the incident, but they’re grateful that crews were able to bring them to safety.
